Disney to Cease Using Slack Following Summer Hacking Incident

On September 20, Disney informed its employees that it will discontinue using Slack for internal communications. This decision comes in the wake of a significant security breach earlier this year, in which cybercriminals compromised the platform, exposing a variety of sensitive information such as financial materials and computer codes.

The Walt Disney Company has officially notified its employees that it will phase out Slack usage by the end of its upcoming fiscal quarter. This announcement was conveyed in a memo to staff that was reviewed by media outlets like CNBC and Business Insider. Previously, Disney had assured investors that the breach would not negatively impact them.

The hacking group named NullBulge claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting they gained access to about 1.1 terabytes of messages and various other materials from Disney’s Slack environment.

Disney’s CFO, Hugh Johnston, addressed the situation in a company newsletter, stating, “I would like to share that senior leadership has made the decision to transition away from Slack across the company. Our technology teams are now managing the transition of Slack.” This move demonstrates Disney’s commitment to enhancing its internal security protocols.

The entertainment company is actively investigating the incident to better understand the extent of the breach and any implications it may have. In response to this alarming situation, Johnston also mentioned that employees will soon receive training focused on best practices for collaboration and the management of sensitive information to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Prior to Disney’s announcement, Salesforce, the parent company of Slack, indicated that Disney still utilizes its products across areas like the Disney Store and operational guides. Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, has emphasized the importance of robust security measures. He stated that while their security infrastructure is “rock solid,” it remains critical for companies to be proactive in safeguarding against phishing tactics used by hackers.

Implementing tighter controls on communication tools will not only enhance Disney’s cybersecurity posture but also inspire confidence among employees regarding the safety of their data and company information. This decision could serve as a pivotal moment for Disney as it navigates the complexities of modern digital communication while prioritizing the safety of its internal networks.

As organizations continue to grapple with the aftermath of cyberattacks, Disney’s step away from Slack highlights the need for adaptive security strategies in corporate communications. Many companies are now evaluating the platforms they use to ensure they align with best practices for safeguarding sensitive information.

Overall, the incident underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of evolving cyber threats. Disney’s proactive measures reflect a broader trend among corporations to re-evaluate their internal communication tools, ensuring that they prioritize security and resilience in their operational frameworks.