Finding the right solution for an organization’s needs can require a fair amount of effort. Some of the basic considerations relevant to the decision-making process may include:

FEATURES

What basic features are desired? Examples include the ability to:

• • Send and receive encrypted messages between mobile devices
  • Place and receive encrypted voice calls between mobile devices and terrestrial telephone lines
  • Send and receive encrypted messages between computers and mobile devices
  • Auto-delete messages after a period of time
  • Delete or “burn” sent messages from the recipient’s device
  • Receive notifications when a recipient initiates a screen capture

ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS

• • What company controls are desired? Examples include the ability to:
  • Create (and override) automatic deletion/retention policies
  • View or log communications for audit trail and/or compliance purposes
  • Create custom policies and restrictions, including limiting user capabilities
  • Organize and manage policies efficiently by creating different classes or groups
  • Disallow the transmission of files
  • Disallow communication outside the organization
  • Segment files and data from other mobile device data

ENVIRONMENT

What technical requirements exist that are driven by the organization’s infrastructure, workflow, regulatory mandates, and travel requirements? Example questions include:

• • Must the solution support PC’s? Macs? Both? Must it support iPhones? Androids? Both?
  • Will it be necessary for the chosen solution to work effectively when travel abroad includes nations hostile to encryption technologies?
  • If an audit trail function is required, does it meet all relevant regulatory requirements?
  • Does the solution provide true end-to-end encryption or are communications subject to interception, including by the software vendor itself?
  • Does the solution work reliably? Most vendors will allow limited trial periods, which prospective purchasers are highly encouraged to take advantage of.

Depending on the organization’s needs, the cost for encrypted messaging and calling solutions can range from free mobile applications easily downloaded and installed by users, to modest business solutions, to sophisticated solutions targeting large enterprises.

While choices vary widely, encrypted calling and messaging products represent an essential security protection no business should be without. Organizations seeking assistance with the selection and implementation of an encrypted messaging and calling platform, or the creation of policies governing their use are encouraged to contact their Sandbox Technologies Engineer, Account Manager, or Consulting CIO.