How to Enable and Access Secure Chat
This article explains how Everbridge administrators and contacts can enable and access Secure Chat within Everbridge. Secure Chat may also be labeled as Secure Collaboration or Directory Chat, and in the Everbridge 360™ App it appears as Chats on Apple devices and Secure Chat on Android. The steps below cover administrative configuration at the account and organization levels, mobile app settings, and how end users can start and join chats.
Description
Overview of Secure Collaboration and Secure Chat
Everbridge Secure Collaboration includes three main components:
- Incident Chat – Allows users to invite contacts to chat from a sent incident.
- Enforce Privacy – Prevents push notification content from displaying on the mobile phone lock screen.
- Directory Chat (Secure Chat) – Enables single or group chats within the organization.
Directory Chat (Secure Chat) enables contacts to exchange messages as 1:1 or group chats. Incident Chat is a separate, incident-based capability.
Administrative Configuration
Secure Chat availability is controlled at both the account and organization levels.
Configure Member Portal Access
- Sign in to the Everbridge Manager Portal.
- Navigate to Organization > Settings > Member Portal.
- Enable Display incident information.
This setting allows members to view incidents and participate in Incident Chat.
Configure Directory Chat for Mobile App
Step 1 Open Collaboration Options
- Sign in to the Manager Portal.
- Select the appropriate organization.
- Navigate to Settings > Everbridge Mobile App > Collaboration Options > Custom Directory.
Step 2 Configure Directory Visibility
Select one of the following options:
- Create custom directory – Select groups to define chat availability.
- Show all contacts in directory – Allow all contacts to participate.
Select Sync Settings to apply changes.
Configure Chat Visibility
- Sign in to the Manager Portal.
- Select the organization.
- Navigate to Settings > Everbridge Mobile App > Collaboration Options > Chat Capabilities.
- Enable or disable chat visibility.
The setting label may appear as Directory Chat, Chat, or Secure Chat.
Optional Secure Collaboration Features
- Video Chat – Enables video in 1:1 conversations.
- File Sharing – Allows file exchange during chats.
- Camera Access – Enables image capture within chat sessions.
Accessing Secure Chat in the Mobile App
- Open the Everbridge Mobile App.
- Select the menu icon.
- Choose Chats (Apple) or Secure Chat (Android).
- Select the Plus (+) or Pencil icon.
Available contacts reflect configured directory settings.
- 1:1 chats with optional voice and video
- Group chats with multiple participants
Accessing Secure Chat in the Member Portal
- Sign in to the Member Portal.
- Navigate to the Secure Chat or Incidents tab.
- View available chats.
Incident Chat sessions appear when enabled during incident launch.
Using Incident Chat
- Enable Incident Chat during incident launch.
- Invite contacts from:
- Everbridge Mobile App
- Manager Portal
- Member Portal
If not enabled during launch, chat is unavailable for that incident.
Privacy Configuration
| NOTE: |
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| When Enforce Privacy is enabled, push notification content does not display on device lock screens. |