Video-conferencing software Zoom has been drawing attention from researchers and journalists lately for a number of potential privacy and security issues, as use of the platform surges due to an increase in coronavirus-related remote working. One of the biggest security issues facing Zoom is the surge in "Zoombombing," when uninvited attendees break into and disrupt your meeting.
Similarly, rumors of security risks have circulated around other video-conferencing services. And the stakes are getting higher. Some have accused video-calling app Houseparty of enabling Netflix account hacks with loose security protocols. In response, the company has offered a $1 million reward for proof of security sabotage against what others argue is a viral misinformation campaign, saying that the problem is more likely tied to reusing login credentials and passwords.
Zoom settings you should change now
There are some easy settings you can change before your Zoom meeting begins that will allow you to reduce the likelihood of intrusion by uninvited guests, and generally bolster your privacy overall.
1. Don't use your Personal Meeting ID for the meeting. Instead, use a per-meeting ID, exclusive to a single meeting. Zoom's support page offers a video walk-through on how to generate a random meeting ID for extra security.
2. Enable the "Waiting Room" feature so that you can see who is attempting to join the meeting before allowing them access. Like many other privacy functions, a skillful disrupter can sometimes bypass this control, but it helps to put another hurdle in their route to chaos.
3. Disable other options, including the ability for others to Join Before Host (it should be disabled by default, but check to be sure -- see below). Then disable screen-sharing for nonhosts, and also the remote control function. Finally, disable all file transferring, annotations and the autosave feature for chats.
To disable most of these features, click on the gear-shaped Settings icon on the upper-right side of the page after you've logged in. From there, you'll see the option to turn off most of the listed features.
Disabling screen-sharing is a bit different, but just as easy. Go to the host controls at the bottom of your screen, and you'll see an arrow next to Share Screen. Click the arrow, then click Advanced Sharing Options. Go to Who can share? Click Only Host, then close the window.
4. Once the meeting begins and everyone is in, lock the meeting to outsiders (see our tips below) and assign at least two meeting co-hosts. The co-hosts will be able to help control the situation in case anyone bypasses your efforts and gets into the meeting.
To deputize your co-hosts, go to the same Settings icon, then to the Meetings tab. Scroll down to Co-host and make sure it is enabled. If Zoom asks you for verification, click Turn On.
Read more: 13 Zoom video chat tips, tricks and hidden features
