# Slack

---
title: Connecting Slack to WatchDog Security
category: Integrations
integration_type: oauth
products_supported:
  - Posture Management
  - Inventory
  - Notification Center
---

# Connecting Slack to WatchDog Security

## Overview

This guide explains how to connect **Slack** to WatchDog Security using OAuth authentication. Once connected, WatchDog will:

- Monitor your Slack workspace for **security posture risks and configuration issues**
- Collect **workspace and user inventory data**
- Deliver **organization-level notifications and alerts** to Slack channels via the Notification Center

---

## What WatchDog Monitors

:::tip[]
WatchDog operates in **read-only mode** for monitoring and does **not modify Slack configuration settings**.
:::

After the integration is connected, WatchDog may monitor:

<Accordion title="Scopes" defaultOpen>

WatchDog uses the following Slack OAuth scopes:

| Scope | Purpose |
|------|--------|
| channels:read | Read public channel metadata |
| groups:read | Read private channel metadata |
| mpim:read | Read group direct message metadata |
| im:read | Read direct message metadata |
| users:read | Read user profiles and status |
| users:read.email | Access user email addresses |
| users.profile:read | Read extended user profile data |
| team:read | Read workspace metadata |
| team.preferences:read | Read workspace configuration settings |
| files:read | Read file metadata |
| canvases:read | Read Slack canvas data |
| chat:write | Send messages to channels |
| chat:write.public | Send messages to public channels without joining |
| im:write | Send direct messages |

:::note[]
All monitoring-related permissions are **read-only**. Write permissions are used strictly for **sending notifications via Notification Center**.
:::

</Accordion>

---

## Requirements

Before connecting the integration, ensure the following:

- You have access to a **Slack workspace**
- You're an **Account Owner** or **Security Admin** in WatchDog Security
- The user connecting the integration has permission to **install apps** in the Slack workspace
- The user has access to the channels where notifications will be delivered

---

## Important Behavior

:::note[]
Understanding how Slack monitoring and notifications work is important for correct setup.
:::

- WatchDog uses OAuth to access Slack workspace data in **read-only mode**
- Notifications are sent via the **WatchDog Slack bot**
- The bot must be **added to a channel** to send messages
- Channel visibility is limited to channels accessible during authorization
- If the bot is removed from a channel, notifications to that channel will fail

---

## Step 1 — Open the Integration in WatchDog

1. Log into the [**WatchDog Security Portal**](https://app.watchdogsecurity.io)
2. Navigate to Management → Integrations
3. Locate **Slack**
4. Click **Connect**

---

## Step 2 — Authorize Slack

:::note[]
After authorization is completed, you will automatically be redirected back to WatchDog Security.
:::

You will be redirected to the **Slack authorization page**.

1. Select the Slack workspace
2. Review the requested permissions
3. Click **Allow**

WatchDog will securely store the OAuth token and begin syncing workspace data.

---

## Step 3 — Add WatchDog Bot to Channel

Slack requires the WatchDog bot to be present in the selected channel

1. Open Slack
2. Navigate to the selected channel
3. Run: ` /add apps to this channel  `

Once added, WatchDog can begin sending notifications.

---

## Initial Sync

<Accordion title="After the integration is connected" defaultOpen>

- WatchDog will begin collecting Slack workspace data
- The initial synchronization typically completes within **5–10 minutes**

</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Data appears in the following modules" defaultOpen>

- **Posture Management**
- **Inventory**
- **Notification Center**

</Accordion>

---

## Revoking Access

To fully remove WatchDog access from Slack, revoke access in both WatchDog and Slack.

### Step 1 — Disconnect in WatchDog

1. Log into **WatchDog Security**
2. Navigate to **Management → Integrations**
3. Locate **Slack**
4. Click **Disconnect**

---

### Step 2 — Remove Slack App

1. In Slack, navigate to: `Settings & administration → Manage apps`
2. Locate **WatchDog Security**
3. Click **Remove App**

This removes the bot and revokes access.

---

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>

<Accordion title="No Data Appears" defaultOpen>

Verify:

- OAuth authorization completed successfully
- The correct workspace was selected
- Wait for the initial sync to complete

</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notifications Not Sending">

Verify:

- The WatchDog bot is added to the channel
- The selected channel still exists
- The integration is still connected

</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Channel Not Visible">

If a channel is not available:

- Ensure the user has access to the channel
- Reconnect the integration to refresh available channels

</Accordion>

</AccordionGroup>

---

## Related Documentation
https://docs.watchdogsecurity.io/notification-center-7386519f0