Electronic communication is the exchange of digital messages and data over a network or through other electronic means. Digital communication provides a wide range of uses, from business and personal to educational and recreational. As a vital foundation in today’s connected world, electronic communication includes several different types and channels. Below are some of the most common.
Email is one of the most popular forms of electronic communication. It allows users to send written messages with attachments, such as images and documents, to another user's email address or group mailing list quickly and easily. Email is an important way to keep informed about different tasks and events, as it can be utilised to receive notices from online services such as social media networks, banking sites, etc.
Several security risks are associated with email, as it's among the most popular mediums for cyber-attacks. These include phishing attacks, social engineering tactics, malware, and business email compromise. Addressing these email security risks requires establishing clear policies and training protocols, as well as using tools to protect against malicious threats, like multifactor authentication, spam filters, and anti-malware software.
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging apps are another type of electronic communication that allows users to send real-time text messages back and forth between two people or within larger groups without waiting for responses, as with email. Popular messaging apps include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Skype, Viber, Telegram, etc., which all have different features depending on their platform. However, they generally offer similar functionality, such as sending photos, videos, files, and links along with your text messages.
With instant messaging, users are at risk of revealing sensitive or confidential information over an unsecured delivery channel. Not only can this be a breeding ground for viruses and worms, but cybercriminals can use instant messaging to launch phishing schemes and other cyber-attacks. These vulnerabilities and the lack of controlled protection are primarily why instant messaging platforms are not widely used for electronic communication in business environments.
Video Conferencing
Video conferencing tools enable geographically dispersed participants to bridge the distance between them and connect virtually face-to-face, utilising webcams and microphones for an interactive experience while sharing screens in real-time. This popular type of electronic communication allows everyone to see each other during the dialogue, even when they are not physically in the same room – making it ideal for conferences between employees who work remotely or across different offices worldwide. Popular video conferencing tools include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, and Join Me.
Despite its widespread use and popularity, video conferencing software is not immune to security risks. Potential issues include unauthorised access, misconfigurations, and the potential for cyber attackers to breach sensitive data. Using secure passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, and ensuring a secure Internet connection are just a few ways individuals and organisations can establish stronger cybersecurity to protect their communication.
Social Media
Social media networks are also considered electronic communication since they enable people from anywhere around the globe to connect via posts, comments, likes, and shares. Some popular social media networks include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Snapchat, and within these platforms are instant messaging or direct messaging capabilities. Users create profiles that others can follow and post content publicly visible to anyone who follows them or privately visible only to those they choose. Social media networks are ideal for staying in touch with friends, family, and colleagues while maintaining some privacy if desired.
As organisations allow their employees to engage with customers over social media channels, monitoring the activity is an evolving challenge for companies. Unmonitored social media posts or improper digital communications can trigger regulatory sanctions, fines, or litigation, not to mention reputational damage to a company brand. In turn, it's become increasingly crucial for companies to integrate defensible compliance strategies, implement automated policies for social monitoring, and unite data feeds across platforms so that organisations effectively comply with internal and regulatory guidelines.
Text Messaging
Text messaging is a form of electronic communication that allows users to quickly and easily send short messages via their phones or other mobile devices. It's one of the most widely used forms of digital communication for both personal and business purposes, making it an invaluable tool for staying connected with colleagues, friends, and family.
However, there are potential risks associated with using text messaging as a form of electronic communication. For example, if a device becomes lost or stolen, someone else could access all conversations unless proper security measures have been taken beforehand (such as setting up encryption). Furthermore, carriers may store records of all your texts, which could lead to privacy issues if those records were ever made public or leaked without your knowledge or consent.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is an electronic communication method that transfers files between computers. While it's not the most widely known, FTP is one of the oldest methods of file sharing. It connects two computers over a network and allows them to exchange data. One significant security risk associated with FTP is that it does not encrypt data during transmission, meaning that any sensitive information sent via this protocol could be intercepted and read by malicious actors on the same network.
Additionally, FTP does not authenticate users attempting to access its services; anyone can connect and potentially gain access to shared resources without permission from an administrator or other authorised personnel. As such, organisations should take steps to secure their networks against unauthorised access when using FTP for file transfers.
Electronic communication is an essential tool in today's digital world, but it also carries risks that must be managed. Therefore, identifying the potential hazards of digital communication is imperative for maintaining data security.
