‍ The EU NIS Directive (NIS2) and GDPR are critical frameworks designed to protect an organization’s infrastructure and secure personal communication and data. While the former focuses on network and information system security, GDPR mainly concentrates on personal data protection.

‍ As remote work becomes more predominant, are you sure your organization’s collaboration tools are not opening the door for hackers? This apprehension is not baseless, in fact, 57% of organizations see collaboration tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom as the biggest security risk in their tech stack. Therefore, strict security measures are necessary since these platforms are becoming increasingly crucial for project management and team communication in the workplace.

The shift to remote and hybrid work has brought new challenges to the modern workplace. Companies often have to use multiple collaboration software tools and complex systems daily. To put this into perspective, research by Asana's Anatomy of Work Index in 2022 found that employees can spend up to 58% of their time on “work about work,” which includes switching between apps. It’s no wonder that 89% of IT professionals say "bloated technology" wastes significant time.

‍ Did you know the ITRC reported 2,365 cyberattacks in 2023? Therefore, senior leaders must build strong cyber resilience to fortify data security. That’ll be your ability to swiftly recover, respond, and identify security incidents. PwC notes that only 2% of organizations implement firm-wide cyber resilience. This can be attributed to challenges like lack of awareness, complex IT environments, and resource constraints.

Rocket.Chat is proud to be included in the Forrester Wave: Secure Communications Solutions, Q3 2024. The Forrester Wave: Secure Communications Solutions, Q3 2024 lists the providers that matter the most, showing how each measures up and helping security experts select the right one for their needs. ‍The full report is exclusively available to Forrester clients or for purchase on Forrester's website.

In a time when organizations are striving to drive efficiency without compromising on data security, Rocket.Chat remains committed to empowering teams with the tools they need for seamless and secure collaboration. This very commitment shapes our roadmap to help admins and teams achieve peak productivity while safeguarding their data.

‍ What is the secret to promoting a thriving democracy at the grassroots level? The answer lies in citizen engagement in local government. A 2022 survey by Rock Solid found that 62.8% of people reported being satisfied with their access to local governance. This indicates the need for a more significant level of engagement. It also underscores why encouraging citizen involvement in local governance has to be focused.

‍ Active citizen engagement enables the public to share their opinions on core government decisions with ease and security. This is why it serves as one of the key pillars of a functioning democracy. Additionally, by 2050, two-thirds of the global population will likely live in cities. So, the local governments will need to focus more on involving citizens to meet their needs and aspirations effectively.

‍ According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), countries with higher levels of citizen engagement tend to have more effective and responsive governments. This highlights the critical role engaged citizens play in enhancing governance. However, challenges like lack of awareness, communication barriers, and limited accessibility often restrain civic participation.

The risk of cyber attacks is continually soaring. The number of data breaches between 2021 and 2023 grew by 72%, surpassing previous records. Communication platforms used by businesses for workplace communication are particularly at risk. Also, breaches of shared confidential data lead to substantial financial losses and damage to a company's reputation. ‍For instance, the global indicator 'Estimated Cost of Cybercrime' was forecast to increase by $ 6.4 trillion between 2024 and 2029.