Slack implements a multi-layered security and compliance framework to protect organizational data through encryption, access controls, and regulatory certifications. The platform encrypts all data in transit using TLS 1.2 and at rest with FIPS 140-2 compliant standards, while offering Enterprise Key Management (EKM) for additional control over encryption keys ^[1][5]. Identity and device management features like SAML-based single sign-on (SSO), two-factor authentication (2FA), and SCIM provisioning ensure secure access, complemented by granular admin controls for user permissions ^[2][10].

For compliance, Slack maintains certifications including ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and FedRAMP Moderate, with specialized configurations for industries like healthcare and finance ^[3][8]. Data governance tools such as global retention policies, eDiscovery capabilities, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) integrations help organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements ^[2][7]. While Slack’s security architecture is robust, organizations must actively configure these features and monitor third-party integrations to mitigate risks like data exfiltration or over-privileged app access ^[4][9].

• Core protections: Encryption (TLS 1.2 in transit, FIPS 140-2 at rest), EKM, and access controls (SSO, 2FA, SCIM)
• Compliance certifications: ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, FedRAMP Moderate, and industry-specific standards
• Governance tools: Retention policies, eDiscovery, DLP, and audit logging for regulatory compliance
• Shared responsibility: Organizations must configure security settings and monitor integrations to address risks like third-party vulnerabilities

Slack’s security and compliance framework

Data encryption and access control mechanisms

Slack’s security foundation relies on encryption and identity management to protect data across all stages of transmission and storage. The platform encrypts data in transit using TLS 1.2, ensuring secure communication between users and Slack’s servers, while data at rest is encrypted with FIPS 140-2 compliant standards ^[1][5]. For organizations requiring additional control, Enterprise Key Management (EKM) allows customers to manage their own encryption keys, though this feature is limited to Enterprise Grid plans ^[1][10].

Access control is enforced through multiple layers of authentication and provisioning:

• Single Sign-On (SSO): SAML-based SSO integrates with identity providers like Okta or Azure AD to centralize authentication and reduce credential-based attacks ^[2][7].
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enforced at both the user and admin levels, with options for TOTP or security keys to prevent unauthorized access ^[2][10].
• SCIM provisioning: Automates user lifecycle management, ensuring timely deprovisioning of accounts when employees leave the organization ^[7].
• Device security: Slack restricts access from jailbroken or rooted devices and enforces secondary authentication for mobile sessions ^[10].

Despite these protections, Slack does not offer end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for messages by default, which means Slack can technically access message content for features like search and compliance tools ^[3]. Organizations handling highly sensitive data may need to supplement Slack’s native controls with third-party DLP solutions or restrict certain integrations to mitigate exposure risks ^[4].

Compliance certifications and governance tools

Slack’s compliance framework is designed to meet the needs of regulated industries, with certifications and governance features that align with global and sector-specific standards. The platform holds ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2 Type II, and SOC 3 certifications, along with GDPR and CCPA compliance for data privacy ^[3][8]. For highly regulated sectors, Slack offers:

• Healthcare (HIPAA): Supports compliance with Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) and data protection controls for protected health information (PHI) ^[8].
• Finance (FINRA): Configurable retention policies and audit trails to meet financial industry requirements ^[8].
• Government (FedRAMP): Achieved Moderate impact level authorization for U.S. federal agencies, with GovSlack providing additional isolation for sensitive workloads ^[3][10].

Governance tools enable organizations to enforce policies and respond to legal requests:

• Retention policies: Global or granular message and file retention settings, with options to preserve data for eDiscovery or delete it after specified periods ^[2][6].
• eDiscovery: Search and export capabilities for legal holds, supporting investigations and compliance audits ^[7].
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Native and third-party DLP integrations (e.g., Symantec, McAfee) to detect and block sensitive data like PII or credit card numbers in messages ^[1][9].
• Audit logs: Comprehensive logs of user activities, admin changes, and integration events, exportable for SIEM analysis ^[5][7].

A critical limitation is that many compliance features—such as EKM, advanced DLP, and custom retention policies—are restricted to Enterprise Grid plans, requiring organizations to evaluate their licensing needs against regulatory obligations ^[1]. Additionally, while Slack provides the tools for compliance, organizations must actively configure these settings and train employees to avoid misconfigurations or shadow IT risks ^[4].