5 Threats Happening Right Now in Your Slack Workspace

Slack has become the operational backbone of many teams. It’s where ideas are shared, problems are solved, and decisions are made.But this constant flow of information also creates blind spots. Many organizations don’t fully realize how much sensitive data moves through Slack every day. Below are five real threats that may already be active in your workspace and often go unnoticed.

1. Forgotten Guest Accounts Guest users accumulate over time: agencies, freelancers, vendors, interns. When projects end, many of these accounts stay active with access to channels that should be private. Why it matters: If one neglected account gets compromised, an attacker instantly gains the same visibility—sometimes into product plans, internal discussions, or credentials accidentally posted in the past. What to do: Run a periodic review and remove any guest user who no longer actively collaborates with your team.

2. Sensitive Data Shared in Channels Slack makes sharing quick, but also permanent. Many teams unknowingly leave behind: * API tokens * Passwords * Customer info * Internal URLs * Screenshots with sensitive content Why it matters: Once shared, data can be copied, pinned, or indexed by Slack search. Even mistakes made years ago remain discoverable. What to do: Adopt a rule to never post credentials directly into channels or threads.

3. Unmonitored App Integrations Apps extend Slack’s functionality but also widen its attack surface. Some integrations request high-level permissions far more than they need. Why it matters: A vulnerable or overly-permissive integration can silently read messages or extract channel data without anyone noticing. What to do: Audit your installed apps and revoke anything unnecessary or untrusted.

4. Social Engineering Through DMs Attackers know Slack feels trusted. Impersonating a colleague inside Slack is far easier than over email. Typical scam messages include: * “Can you send me that document again?” * “I can’t log in—share the 2FA code.” * “Here’s the updated dashboard—open this link.” Why it matters: Because these messages appear internal, employees respond faster and verify less. What to do: Encourage a culture of checking unexpected requests, even if they come from a familiar name.

5. Channels With Loose or Outdated Access Channels grow and change faster than access controls. People switch teams or leave the company, but their channel permissions remain. Why it matters: Sensitive HR, engineering, finance, or incident-response updates may be visible to people who shouldn’t have access—sometimes for months. What to do: Review access to critical channels and limit them to the required roles only. Slack Security Starts With Awareness None of these risks require advanced hacking techniques—they come from everyday habits and overlooked settings. With the right visibility and processes, you can significantly reduce exposure. If you’re looking for automated monitoring of sensitive data leaks, risky behavior, and unusual activity in Slack, Griffo is built to help teams protect their workspace without slowing collaboration.