For example, screen sharing can be useful, but we recommend that you consider changing the default settings before scheduling a Zoom meeting. The default allows all participants to screen share. That means anyone can share their screen with confidential, privileged, or even inappropriate content. You can change the default to allow screen sharing only for the conference host.
You should also review Zoom’s options for password-protecting and locking your meetings to prevent uninvited guests, and for removing unwanted or disruptive participants. As this recent article reports, Zoom meetings across the country are being “crashed” by uninvited and unwelcome hijackers engaged in “Zoom bombing.” It might sound far-fetched, but it is happening and it only takes a few minutes to change your settings and minimize the security risks.
Another important aspect of Zoom is that it collects a lot of data during videoconferences, and it allows the host of the videoconference to record and monitor more than the other participants might realize. For example, participants have the option of sending private messages to each other during the meeting. If the host chooses to record a Zoom meeting to his/her local drive and participates in a private chat with another participant, then the private chat exchange will be saved to the minutes folder for that meeting. If that minutes folder is not secured, then anyone with access to that folder will see what should have been a private chat.
Check out some additional, easy Zoom security tips in this PC Magazine article.
As we adjust to the new normal of remote work and videoconferencing, it is inevitable that we’ll encounter these kinds of challenges. Do your research, stay abreast of the news, and use the available measures to control risk for yourself and your clients as much as possible.
Stay safe, and Zoom wisely.
