European Organizations’ Collaboration Security Confidence Gap Exposed by New Survey
A recent survey conducted by communications provider Wire has revealed a stark contrast between the security confidence of European IT professionals and the reality of their collaboration environments. Despite an impressive 84% of respondents expressing confidence in the security of their collaboration tools, the survey’s findings suggest that many organizations are struggling to manage sensitive information and control access to shared files.
The issue lies not in the tools themselves, but rather in how employees use them. According to Wire, most organizations use a combination of sanctioned and unsanctioned tools for collaboration, including enterprise messaging platforms, email, online file storage services like OneDrive and Dropbox, and consumer messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal. This lack of governance is particularly concerning when it comes to external partners, where three-quarters of organizations rely on the same email platform as they do internally, and 42% use message apps.
The consequences of this approach are significant. As Benjamin Schilz, CEO at Wire, points out, employees often turn to unsanctioned tools for speed and convenience, exposing their organizations to security and compliance risks. This “shadow IT” problem is further exacerbated by the widespread use of consumer messaging apps, personal cloud storage, and file-sharing services for official purposes.
The survey also highlights a concerning lack of control over shared files. While 61% of respondents reported that access to shared files often remains active longer than necessary, 34% struggled to determine who had access to sensitive files within their organizations. Furthermore, 19% found it extremely difficult to revoke access to collaboration data after granting it.
Wire’s findings suggest that many European organizations are operating in the middle of the maturity scale when it comes to collaboration security. While they may have officially sanctioned tools and governed processes in place, these measures often fail to address the reality of how employees use collaboration platforms. As Schilz notes, “confidence in collaboration security and the reality of how sensitive information is handled exist in significant tension.”
The takeaway from this survey is clear: relying on confidence alone will not ensure the security of collaboration environments. Organizations must take a more nuanced approach to managing sensitive information and controlling access to shared files. This involves implementing robust governance measures, monitoring employee behavior, and providing education and training on secure collaboration practices.
By acknowledging the gap between their confidence and reality, European organizations can take steps to address these issues and improve the security of their collaboration environments. Ultimately, it’s not about having the right tools or processes in place; it’s about understanding how employees use those tools and taking a proactive approach to mitigating risks.
Source: Dark Reading — 2026-07-09