Most UC security programs do not fail with a headline-worthy breach. They drift.
Teams add guests for projects, people share files in chat instead of email, and new apps get connected to keep work moving. If security settings stay on defaults, those everyday habits quietly create gaps that are hard to spot until something goes wrong.
The good news is you may already own underused UC security features in tools you license today. With a bit of tuning, you can make access decisions smarter, reduce risky sharing in chats and channels, and catch malicious activity where employees actually communicate.
1) Conditional Access: Require Compliant Devices, Not Just Passwords
Conditional access means setting rules for when someone can access an app, based on context like device health or sign-in risk.
Microsoft notes that its Intune (device management) and Entra products work together so device compliance policies can be enforced when users access services protected by Conditional Access.
Also consider “sign-in risk,” Microsoft’s term for the likelihood a login is not from the real identity owner, which can be used in Conditional Access policies via Microsoft Entra ID Protection.
Why it is valuable: this security optimization adds friction only when it matters. For collaboration protection, it helps stop compromised accounts from accessing Teams and other UC apps from unknown or non-compliant devices.
2) DLP Rules for Teams Chats and Attachments, With External Sharing Triggers
DLP (Data Loss Prevention) uses rules to detect sensitive information and then warn, block, or log the action. Netskope highlights that admins can trigger a policy when a DLP-sensitive Teams chat message or attachment is shared with an internal or external user.
But there’s a practical limitation: Microsoft does not provide webhook notifications for certain file upload paths in Teams, which affects DLP scanning coverage in those cases.
Why it is valuable: these UC security features target the highest-risk behavior, sensitive sharing in chat and channels – all while keeping everyday collaboration fast.
It is also a strong way to reduce UC security tool shelfware, because policy tuning can focus on a handful of high-risk data types first.
Related Stories:
- UC Identity Risks are Evolving: Deepfakes, Impersonation, and UC-Based Fraud
- How to Choose a UC Compliance Partner (and Avoid Regrets)
- Why Unified Communications Is Your Next Big Security Blind Spot
3) Inline Cloud DLP and CASB Controls for Collaboration Traffic
Zscaler positions its cloud controls around CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) and DLP capabilities for securing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) apps with visibility and policy enforcement.
Inline protection means inspection and enforcement happen as the user accesses the app, rather than after the fact. Zscaler describes Cloud DLP as part of its platform, sitting between users and the internet to provide protection regardless of location.
Why it is valuable: for hybrid work, inline controls help apply consistent DLP rules and cloud app controls even when users are off-network, which supports best practices for maturing UC security controls without forcing everyone into a VPN.
4) Collaboration Protection: Phishing Defense Beyond Email
Proofpoint argues that collaboration tools are now a front line for cyberattacks and positions Collab Protection as extending threat visibility and response across digital channels including Microsoft Teams, Slack and Zoom.
Its solution brief also describes how phishing attacks target messaging and collaboration applications such as Teams, Slack, or Zoom.
Why it is valuable: This addresses real-world UC threat detection needs, catching malicious URLs and lures where employees increasingly receive “urgent” requests. It reduces reliance on perfect user judgement and helps security teams respond faster across channels.
5) SaaS Security: API-based Scanning Plus Posture Management for Misconfigurations
Palo Alto Networks works with Microsoft Teams so its Data Security can protect assets from data exfiltration (unauthorized data leaving the organization) and malware propagation (malicious files spreading).
It also documents SSPM (SaaS Security Posture Management), which continuously monitors sanctioned SaaS apps, detects misconfigured settings, and supports remediation workflows.
Why it is valuable: many UC incidents start with “settings drift,” risky sharing defaults, or unmanaged third-party access. SSPM turns governance into an ongoing control, not a once-a-year audit.
Conclusion
To get more value from your stack, treat this as an optimization program with owners and metrics.
Start by picking one collaboration scenario that matters, for example external partner chats, executive meetings, or customer files shared in Teams. Then switch on one or two underused UC security features that reduce risk in that exact flow, and tune them until alerts are actionable.
Finally, measure outcomes the business cares about: risky access blocked or stepped up, sensitive data exposures prevented, and time saved in investigations. That is how you reduce UC security tool shelfware and turn “we bought the tools” into “we actively control collaboration risk.”
To find more insights into optimizing your UC security framework, dive into our comprehensive guide on UC Security, Risk, and Compliance.
