Disney is preparing to move away from Slack following a significant data breach, adopting Microsoft Teams for internal communications and collaboration. This shift comes after hackers accessed a vast amount of sensitive data through Disney's Slack channels, raising concerns over the platform's security.
The decision was revealed after a cyberattack in July, where 1.1 terabytes (TB) of Disney's confidential information were leaked. Hackers breached internal Slack archives, exposing private messages, project details, and employee data. As a result, Disney has outlined plans to transition to Microsoft Teams by the end of the second quarter of 2025.
Hackers expose Disney's data
The July breach was linked to a hacktivist group called NullBulge, which reportedly accessed 10,000 Slack channels. The stolen information contained internal discussions, images, source code, and even login credentials dating back to 2019. This large-scale leak has forced Disney to reconsider its cybersecurity measures, with Slack now viewed as a potential weak link.
The internal memo, shared with employees and obtained by Business Insider, indicates that Disney prioritises security in its decision to migrate to Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Teams provides end-to-end encryption, a feature Slack has been criticised for lacking, offering more excellent protection for sensitive communications.
However, only some people are on board with the change. Some Disney staff have expressed concerns that the transition is not just about security but also cost-cutting. The switch to Teams is seen by many as an attempt to reduce ongoing operational expenses, potentially at the cost of smooth day-to-day operations.
Concerns over transition complexity
For employees, the move to Microsoft Teams presents several challenges. Many fear that the migration could lead to disruptions, particularly with integrating existing workflows and tools currently compatible with Slack. Some are also worried about the time and resources required to retrain employees, especially those heavily reliant on Slack's features.
Despite these concerns, Disney seems determined to proceed with the transition, viewing Microsoft Teams as a more secure platform to protect against future breaches. This shift comes at a time when other major companies have also fallen victim to cyberattacks through Slack. Uber, EA Games, and Grand Theft Auto, among others, have all experienced similar security breaches, leading to questions about the platform's ability to safeguard sensitive corporate data.
As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, Disney's move to Microsoft Teams highlights the growing importance of encrypted communications. Disney aims to prevent further data leaks and restore confidence in its internal communication systems by switching to a platform that offers stronger encryption and more robust security features.
