In the App Catalog, the Slack application is currently a member of the Social category. Starting from October 25, 2026, we are moving Slack from the Social category to the Chat and IM category.
This change means that Slack will:
No longer be matched by rules that reference the Social category
Now be matched by rules that reference the Chat and IM category
This update changes how the Application Control, Data Control, File Control, Internet Firewall, TLS Inspection, and WAN Firewall policies apply to Slack traffic for rules that contain the Social category or the Chat and IM category.
To ensure Slack traffic is controlled to meet your requirements, you must review rules in the policies above before October 25, 2026.
Note: Content updates to the Cato PoPs are gradually rolled out to the PoPs over two weeks.
What is the Impact to my Account?
Starting from October 25, 2026:
Slack will be removed from the Social category and added to the Chat and IM category
Rules that match on the Social category will stop applying to Slack
Rules that match on the Chat and IM category will begin applying to Slack
For example, a rule that blocks the Chat and IM category will start blocking Slack traffic.
What Updates do I Need to Make to My Account?
You need to review the Application Control, Data Control, File Control, Internet Firewall, TLS Inspection, and WAN Firewall policies and identify rules that contain:
The Social category — starting from October 25, 2026, this rule will no longer apply to Slack
The Chat and IM category — starting from October 25, 2026, this rule will apply to Slack
Please use the Cato Ask AI agent in the CMA to help identify rules, objects, and entities that are impacted by this change. AI can make mistakes, and we recommend that you also validate that there is no impact to traffic flows.
You can copy and paste the following prompt into Ask AI:
Slack is moving from the Social category to the Chat and IM category.
Please review my existing policies and identify how this change will affect them.
Look for rules referencing any of the mentioned apps or categories. Look in all policy types.For each affected policy and rule:
Explain why the rule will be impacted.
Specify exactly what change, if any, I should make to the rule.
Explain the expected behavior after the change.
Please review all of my policies and rules so that no potential impact is missed. If a rule does not require any changes, no action is needed.