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Box as the Content Layer for Slack

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With the Box for Slack integration, you can also use Box as the Custom Files Store in Slack, where Box acts as the single content layer supporting all your conversations on Slack. That is, Box becomes the one place where all files uploaded in Slack are stored, and stored securely. This enables admins to manage all their company's content in one secure platform and gives security teams peace of mind. This functionality is also available on mobile devices, so you can share content even on-the-go.

Note

Custom Files Store is the term Slack uses to indicate files shared in Slack channels and conversations are stored in Box.

By enabling the Custom Files Store feature:

  • User uploads of local files route directly to Box through the Slack interface without passing through Slack servers.
  • Uploaded content resides in a Box folder named Slack Chat Files, which is either owned by the uploader or that the uploader has Editor permissions to, depending on your organization's Content Creation settings. 

This feature is best suited for customers who are wall-to-wall Box, or are wall-to-wall Box within a specific Slack workspace/organization. Users without Box accounts will not be able to upload content, including screenshots or images, into Slack.

Eligibility:

  • Your organization must have a Slack-assigned CSM.
  • Your organization must be a paid Box business account with access to the Box admin console.

Deploying Box as the Content Layer in Slack

Deploying Box as the content layer in Slack is a two-part process in the Admin Console, followed by a manual enablement required by Slack:

  • Entering the Slack Organization and/or Workspace ID in the Box for Slack integration
  • Authorize the Box for Slack app to use Box as Slack file storage

Prerequisite

Ensure that the Box for Slack app is installed in the relevant Slack Organizations and/or Workspaces. (Note: the "Box File Picker" and "Share to Slack in Box" are separate integrations not relevant to the Custom Files Store enhancement.)

To enter the Slack Organization ID in the Box for Slack integration

  1. Log into the Box Admin Console as a Box Admin. 
  2. Go to Apps > Box Apps & Integrations.
  3. Scroll down to the Individual Application Control section.
  4. Search for Box for Slack.
  5. On the right-hand side, click Configure. 
  6. Scroll down to the Box content layer settings, then enter the relevant Slack Organization IDs and/or Workspaces in the Restrict to specific Slack Enterprise Grid Org ID allowlist / Slack Workspaces allowlist text fields. slack_config_panel.gif

To authorize the Box for Slack app to use Box as Slack file storage

  1. Go to Apps > Custom Apps Manager.
  2. Click Add App.
  3. In the Client ID field, enter: 0x3vedms8thsqqkphx49cgc5c03n6wj5.
  4. Click Next.
  5. Review the information, then click Authorize. 
  6. You should now see Box as File Storage for Slack in the Apps listauth_slack_app.gif

Note: To fully complete deployment of this feature, there is a manual enablement step required by Slack. Please reach out to your Slack CSM to complete enablement.

Removing Box as the Content Layer in Slack

  1. Reach out to your Slack-assigned CSM to begin disablement.
  2. Remove the Slack Organization IDs and/or Workspaces in the "Restrict to specific Slack Enterprise Grid Org ID allowlist / Slack Workspaces allowlist" text fields. (Step 6 above)
  3. Disable the Box as File Storage for Slack app in the Custom Apps Manager list. (Step 4.6 above)

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