As the Scottish Government bans WhatsApp for official use, Flip highlights widespread communication vulnerabilities across UK businesses.

 1 in 3 UK employees admit to relying on insecure apps like WhatsApp and Telegram for workplace communication, exposing businesses to serious regulatory compliance and security breaches. The Scottish Government’s recent ban on WhatsApp for official use should serve as a wake-up call for all industries to urgently address these vulnerabilities.

In the survey of employees working across retail, manufacturing, and other frontline industries, 65% of employees said their employers were aware of this practice. Despite high-profile scandals continuing to illustrate the dangers of inadequate digital infrastructure, few steps have been taken to address it. Indeed Gartner predicts that by 2027, 75% of employees will acquire, modify or create technology outside IT’s visibility – known as shadow IT – up from 41% in 2022. 

During the pandemic, MPs relied on unsecured apps like WhatsApp for government business, exposing sensitive information and raising serious governance and privacy concerns. Meanwhile, the NHS was formally reprimanded for failing to provide secure communication channels, putting staff and patient data at risk of breaches and leaks. These examples underscore the critical consequences, from regulatory penalties and reputational damage to increased vulnerability to malware and ransomware attacks, when organisations fail to provide secure, centralised tools for communication.

“Businesses can’t keep gambling with shadow IT, like WhatsApp, for business communication,” says Abby Guthkelch, VP Executive Advisory at Flip. “These consumer-grade apps weren’t designed for use in the workplace, and the risks—whether it’s a data leak, significant regulatory fines or a cyber-attack—are too severe for businesses to continue to turn a blind eye to.

“Employers must do more than just banning insecure tools; they need to finally address the outdated systems that push employees towards risky alternatives. It’s time to properly equip frontline teams with the technology they need to do their work – to communicate and operate effectively.”

The research revealed that the consequences of poor communication extend beyond security – harming productivity and workplace morale:

• 33% of employees say poor communication impacts their work quality or productivity

• 43% report misunderstandings due to communication issues

• 39% struggle to get quick answers and support

• 34% say poor communication disrupts day-to-day work

Despite increased investment in digital transformation, 24% of UK companies still rely on outdated methods like noticeboards as their primary communication channel, while 21% rely on company intranets.

As industries adapt to meet the demands of a modern workforce, the responsibility lies with businesses to provide secure, effective tools that protect employees and critical data. The cost of inaction is too great to ignore.

Report from Flip – click here