What happened
Russia blocked FaceTime, Snapchat, Telegram, WhatsApp, and several other messaging apps after authorities said the platforms were used to plan and coordinate recent terrorist attacks.
Who is affected
Users and organizations that operate or communicate with partners, staff, or customers in Russia now face service disruptions and limited access to common communication tools.
Why CISOs should care
The move shows how fast geopolitical decisions can disrupt core communication channels. It also raises the risk of employees switching to unmonitored or unsecured tools when preferred platforms become unavailable.
3 practical actions
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Review communication dependencies and prepare backup channels for teams in affected regions.
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Update risk assessments to reflect geopolitical controls that may impact secure messaging.
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Set clear guidance for employees on approved alternative apps to prevent shadow IT