Apr222020

Since face-to-face meetings are out of the question when most non-essential workers are under stay-at-home orders, many companies have opted for the teleconferencing app Zoom.

With the recent revelation that Zoom’s teleconferencing system is not always the most secure, it is still one of the least expensive and user-friendly options for holding meetings during the coronavirus outbreak.

Zoom has seen its user numbers exploded during the pandemic, but that has left it exposed to a number of different types of attacks and other problems like videos being exposed on the web. There are many alternatives to Zoom, but if you want to continue using the service, you should understand the security implications and what you can do to protect yourself, other participants and your company.

The risks

Because of complaints, Zoom in mid-April said it was working to fix a number of bugs and security holes in its system.

While some issues have plagued the system for a few years, others were recently discovered as usage surged in the first three months of 2020. Here’s a list:

Stolen passwords — One of the more recent vulnerabilities that was discovered was one that allowed hackers to steal Windows passwords.

Eavesdropping — Two other newly discovered holes could let hackers remotely install malware on affected Macs and eavesdrop on meetings.

Phishing attacks — Hackers are creating fake Zoom links and websites to lure people to log in. In so doing they can steal financial details, spread malware and steal Zoom ID numbers and passwords, which allows them to infiltrate meetings.

‘Zoombombing’ — This occurs when uninvited guests gain entry to private meetings. This typically happens for large events after log-in details were announced on social media, but it is happening in smaller meetings as well. Typically, these infiltrators will disrupt the meeting with profanities and insults or by streaming porn for the other participants to see.

Hackers are using the same techniques to eavesdrop on or disrupt business meetings.

Meeting recordings exposed — This can only happen if the meeting organizer records the meeting. A Washington Post investigation found thousands of private Zoom videos that had been posted on the web. The exposed video calls included private business discussions, casual conversations with friends, therapy sessions, and nudity. Many of these videos seem to have been made public by mistake.

Meetings are typically not recorded. The default setting on Zoom does not record meetings. But meeting hosts can save the videos on Zoom’s servers or their own computers without participants’ consent.

Tips to keep your Zoom meetings private

  • Don’t post your Zoom meeting IDs publicly. Send them privately by e-mails or using a messaging app.
  • Create a new ID for every meeting. Don’t recycle old ones from prior meetings.
  • Adjust the Zoom settings to require participants to enter a password to access the meeting.
  • Enable Zoom’s “Waiting Room” feature. This lets you keep participants in a digital queue until you approve them to join the session. Beginning April 4, Zoom enabled the feature by default, requiring additional password settings for free users. Zoom has a guide to the feature on its website.
  • If you are worried about abuse, you can turn off a number of features, such as private chats, annotation and file transfers.
  • Keep the Zoom desktop app up to date, so that any patches Zoom makes to security vulnerabilities are added to your device.
  • If you are concerned about hackers accessing your data and you don’t need to screen share, you may want to use Zoom only on mobile devices such as a smartphone or tablet. These seem to be less susceptible to hacking.
  • Build awareness of Zoom phishing scams into user training programs. Users should only download the Zoom client from a trusted site and check for anything suspicious in the meeting URL when joining a meeting.
  • Ensure all home workers have anti-malware protection, including phishing detection installed from a reputable vendor.

 

Nils Wright
Author: Nils Wright

65 Comments

  8. Link exchange is nothing else however it is simply placing the
    other person’s webpage link on your page at appropriate place and other person will
    also do same in support of you.

  10. It’s hard to come by knowledgeable people about
    this subject, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about!
    Thanks

  12. Levitra 20 Mg Indicazioni [url=https://bbuycialisss.com/]Cialis[/url] Como Comprar Levitra Sin Receta Cialis Propecia Generika 1mg

  13. My brother suggested I would possibly like this web site.

    He used to be totally right. This post actually made my day.
    You cann’t believe simply how so much time I had spent for this info!
    Thank you!

  14. Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you really recognise
    what you are speaking about! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally consult with my web site
    =). We can have a link alternate arrangement among us

  19. Hi, I do believe this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it ;
    ) I am going to return yet again since i have book marked
    it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to
    guide other people.

  34. Propecia Generic Fda titsSkit [url=https://acialisd.com/#]Cialis[/url] perawata Propecia Shedding To Work sponvals generic cialis cost CoaphCoogs comprar viagra sin receta en valencia

  35. Thanks for finally writing about > How to Protect
    Your Business Teleconference Meetings – InterWest Insurance Services < Liked it!

  38. hello!,I really like your writing very much!
    proportion we keep up a correspondence more approximately
    your article on AOL? I require an expert on this area to resolve my
    problem. May be that’s you! Looking forward to peer you.

  39. Greate pieces. Keep posting such kind of information on your blog.
    Im really impressed by your site.
    Hi there, You’ve done an excellent job. I will certainly digg
    it and personally suggest to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this
    site.

  40. I always used to study paragraph in news papers
    but now as I am a user of internet therefore from now I
    am using net for articles or reviews, thanks to web.

  42. Undeniably consider that that you stated. Your
    favourite reason appeared to be on the net the easiest thing to remember of.
    I say to you, I certainly get annoyed at the same time as other folks consider worries that they just don’t recognise about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out
    the entire thing with no need side effect ,
    other people could take a signal. Will probably be again to get more.
    Thank you

  44. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more
    than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important
    and everything. But think about if you added some great graphics or
    videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but
    with images and clips, this site could undeniably be one of
    the most beneficial in its field. Terrific blog!

  47. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I’ve really loved browsing
    your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing on your rss feed and I am hoping you write once more soon!

  49. I really love your blog.. Excellent colors & theme.
    Did you make this web site yourself? Please reply back
    as I’m wanting to create my own personal website and would love to learn where you got this from or what the
    theme is named. Many thanks!

  50. This is a really good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
    Short but very accurate info… Many thanks for sharing this one.
    A must read article!

  51. Hey! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are
    you using for this site? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers
    and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would
    be great if you could point me in the direction of a
    good platform. cheap flights yynxznuh

  53. Nice post. I used to be checking continuously this blog
    and I’m impressed! Very helpful information particularly the closing part 🙂 I take care of
    such information a lot. I used to be looking for this certain info for a long time.
    Thank you and good luck.

  54. I don’t even know the way I stopped up right here, but I assumed this submit was good.
    I don’t realize who you might be but definitely
    you’re going to a well-known blogger should you are not already.
    Cheers! cheap flights 3gqLYTc

  57. I just could not depart your website prior to suggesting that I actually
    enjoyed the usual information a person supply on your guests?
    Is gonna be back ceaselessly to check up on new posts 31muvXS cheap flights

  60. Its such as you read my mind! You seem to understand a lot approximately this,
    like you wrote the guide in it or something. I feel that you
    could do with a few p.c. to drive the message house a bit, but instead of that,
    that is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.

  61. Hi there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I really enjoy reading through
    your posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with
    the same subjects? Appreciate it!

  62. I like the valuable information you provide in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am
    quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  63. Wonderful goods from you, man. I have have in mind
    your stuff prior to and you’re just too magnificent. I actually like what you have obtained right here, certainly like what you are stating and the best way through which you assert
    it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it sensible.
    I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is really a great website.

    can you buy cialis online

  64. Greetings from California! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break.
    I love the information you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.

    I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, superb
    site!
    thesis help
    https://essaywritingusauk.com/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Post comment