Slack vs. Google Chat — What is Better for Cybersecurity

Compare Slack vs Google Chat for cybersecurity. Discover key features, security protocols & integrations for secure comms.

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Jeff Harms

Reviewed by Jeff Harms

Director, Advisory Services at OCD tech

Updated September, 18

Usability & Integration: Slack vs Google Chat

Discover how Slack and Google Chat compare on usability and integration for business productivity.

Slack Usability and Integration for Business

As a seasoned cybersecurity advisor, I find Slack’s intuitive design and robust integration capabilities offer exceptional usability for employees while adhering to strict security best practices using MFA prompts, secure logins, and role-based access controls. The administration setup is efficient, enabling IT teams to easily configure conditional access policies and manage encryption defaults without compromising performance or security. Slack’s seamless integration with platforms such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, CRM systems, and SSO, alongside its versatile API and automation tool support, ensures that cross-platform data sharing does not create security gaps or vulnerabilities. In addition, practical aspects like streamlined migration processes, secure data portability, and reliable mobile/desktop access emphasize Slack’s strong standing as a secure, user-friendly communication solution in today’s cybersecurity landscape.

Google Chat Usability and Integration for Business

 

Usability & Integration for Google Chat

 

Google Chat strikes an optimal balance by offering an intuitive user interface that simplifies communications for employees while enforcing security best practices with features like MFA prompts, secure logins, and role-based access. Its administration and setup process is streamlined, allowing IT departments to easily configure conditional access policies, adjust encryption defaults, and manage security settings without compromising usability. Moreover, Google Chat integrates seamlessly with platforms such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack/Teams, CRM systems, SSO, and various APIs and automation tools, ensuring that these connections do not introduce security vulnerabilities. Practical aspects, including secure migration pathways, reliable data portability, and consistent secure access on both mobile and desktop devices, further solidify its position as a robust tool for organizations that prioritize cybersecurity and efficient collaboration.

 

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Security and Compliance: Slack vs Google Chat

See how Slack and Google Chat compare on security and compliance, including data protection, regulations, and business trust.

Slack

Data Security & Encryption

Slack protects user data by using advanced encryption methods both in transit and at rest, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure from unauthorized access. This robust encryption framework is essential to safeguarding communications and files across various devices and networks. It plays a crucial role in the overall data protection strategy, helping companies maintain the privacy of their confidential information.

Google Chat

Data Security & Encryption

Google Chat uses advanced encryption methods to secure data both at rest and in transit, ensuring that sensitive communications are well protected. This level of data protection helps prevent unauthorized access and maintains the confidentiality of your information. By employing robust encryption protocols, Google Chat supports a secure and reliable communication environment.

Slack

Authentication & Access Control

Slack implements strong authentication and access control measures to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive workspace information. The platform supports multi-factor authentication and single sign-on options, reducing the risk of compromised accounts. These practices are important because they limit potential attacks and provide a reliable way for organizations to manage user access.

Google Chat

Authentication & Access Control

Google Chat incorporates thorough authentication and access control measures that limit system access to approved users only. This careful control over who can view and modify messages is essential for preventing breaches and data leaks. Strong user verification and role-based permissions ensure that only authorized individuals gain access to conversations and shared files.

Slack

Compliance & Certifications

Slack adheres to multiple regulatory standards and holds various certifications, which demonstrate its commitment to compliance and security governance. Meeting requirements such as GDPR and HIPAA helps ensure that the platform is trustworthy for companies in diverse industries. This adherence to regulatory compliance and certifications builds confidence among users about Slack’s security practices and data handling processes.

Google Chat

Compliance & Certifications

Google Chat adheres to strict regulatory compliance standards and holds various industry certifications that demonstrate its commitment to security and privacy. This adherence means that the platform is regularly assessed against compliance benchmarks, providing businesses with confidence that their data is managed according to industry best practices. By meeting stringent regulatory requirements, Google Chat helps organizations fulfill their legal obligations and protect sensitive information.

Slack

Incident Response & Reliability

In the event of a security incident, Slack has established a comprehensive incident response plan paired with proactive risk management strategies. Rapid detection, assessment, and response to threats are integral components of their approach, minimizing potential disruptions and protecting business operations. This commitment to incident management helps organizations quickly resolve issues while learning to improve their security posture for the future.

Google Chat

Incident Response & Reliability

In addition to robust preventive measures, Google Chat has established effective incident response and risk management protocols to address potential security threats swiftly. These measures ensure that any detected threat is immediately analyzed, responded to, and mitigated to minimize disruption. A proactive approach to risk management enables businesses to maintain service integrity and achieve efficient recovery in the event of a security incident.

Cost and Value: Slack vs Google Chat

Compare the cost and value of Slack and Google Chat to see which offers better pricing, affordability, and long-term benefits.

 

Cost & Value for Slack

 

Slack offers flexible licensing options with a Free tier available and subscription plans typically ranging from $8 to $15 per user monthly for Standard and Plus tiers, while enterprise plans may require custom pricing. However, beyond these base costs are hidden expenses such as initial setup, user training, and sometimes additional security add-ons like enhanced encryption or single sign-on (SSO) integrations—investments that could add a few thousand dollars initially but are key to preventing costly breaches.

From a cybersecurity and risk management perspective, investing in secure, compliant tools like Slack can yield considerable return on investment. For example, since breach costs can exceed $4M according to IBM, the robust security features built into Slack—as well as its strong compliance frameworks—can help avert expensive data breaches, reduce downtime, and avoid regulatory fines. This overall value, when balanced against the nominal subscription fee, makes Slack not only a communication tool but also a strategic asset in reinforcing your organization’s cybersecurity posture.

 

 

Cost & Value for Google Chat

 

Google Chat, as part of the Google Workspace suite, comes with a range of licensing and subscription costs typically starting from about $6 per user/month for basic plans and going up to $25 per user/month for advanced tiers. While these fees are predictable, there are also hidden costs related to initial setup, employee training, and integrating essential security add-ons that ensure compliance with industry standards. For example, companies might spend additional resources on configuring two-factor authentication or security incident training sessions, potentially increasing the overall budget by 10-15% in the first year.

On the other hand, the robust cybersecurity features built into Google Chat can offer significant financial protection. With built-in data encryption, insider threat monitoring, and rapid incident response, businesses can avoid the enormous costs associated with data breaches—which, according to IBM, can easily exceed $4M per incident—and severe compliance fines. This enhanced security posture not only safeguards sensitive information but also contributes to a solid return on investment, as preventing interruptions and costly breaches yields long-term savings that outweigh the upfront expenses.

 

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Final Recommendation: Slack vs Google Chat for Cybersecurity

 

Final Recommendation

 

In comparing Slack and Google Chat, both platforms offer robust communication tools, yet they cater to distinct business environments. Slack provides a highly customizable interface with extensive third-party integrations, making it ideal for businesses that require dynamic collaboration and specialized cybersecurity features. Google Chat, on the other hand, excels in seamless integration with Google Workspace, presenting an attractive, cost-effective option for organizations that lean on Google’s ecosystem. For teams evaluating Slack vs Google Chat for cybersecurity, Slack’s advanced security protocols and comprehensive compliance options may offer a competitive edge, while Google Chat is well-suited for companies valuing simplicity and affordability. Each platform brings its own strengths to the table, ensuring that the choice ultimately depends on an organization's specific operational requirements and budget priorities. Overall, prioritizing your company’s unique collaboration needs and security measures will guide you toward the most strategic and effective decision.

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Read How to Enable MFA on these tools

Enabling MFA is one of the most effective ways to strengthen account security. We’ll walk through how to turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA), making it clear which steps are required and how the user experience compares across the two tools.

How to enable 2FA/MFA on a Slack account?

Learn how to enable 2FA/MFA on your Slack account for stronger security. Step-by-step guide to protect your data and prevent unauthorized access.

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Audit. Security. Assurance.

IT Audit | Cybersecurity | IT Assurance | IT Security Consultants – OCD Tech is a technology consulting firm serving the IT security and consulting needs of businesses in Boston (MA), Braintree (MA) and across New England. We primarily serve Fortune 500 companies including auto dealers, financial institutions, higher education, government contractors, and not-for-profit organizations with SOC 2 reporting, CMMC readiness, IT Security Audits, Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessments. We also provide dark web monitoring, DFARS compliance, and IT general controls review.

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