Now that the COVID crisis has driven even more businesses around the world to using video conferencing platforms such as Zoom or Skype, a new security problem has arisen. Is your business doing everything it can to stay safe during online video calls?
A new style of security attack is taking advantage of the extra video chat traffic. Known as “Zoom bombing”, it often reported as people unexpectedly disrupting video meetings with shouted threats or slurs. Beyond being irritating, these attacks can also put sensitive data at risk, and cause employees to feel threatened or harassed.
Password-protect calls
Those consumer-grade video calling software packages that don’t offer password protection are far more vulnerable to hijack. Some platforms provide an auto-generated password as well as a meeting room ID.
If you do have the option to create your own password, use good password practice. Don’t create something too obvious or easy to guess, and change the password regularly if you can.
Virtual waiting rooms
Some platforms offer a virtual waiting room for participants to enter, enabling the host to approve them before they gain access to the meeting. It’s a simple measure, but allows control over who joins online meetings.
Make sure you’re not posting public links
Posting a link to your video calls will only increase the likelihood of random people trying to join. Instead, invite specific people individually. It may be more time-consuming than slapping a link on social media, but it’s also safer.
Use up-to-date software
Older versions of software are far more vulnerable to attack than version that have been updated. (Reason #973 for using cloud based software, especially accounting software – ahem!).
Despite defending their security credentials, media reports of vulnerabilities have pressured Zoom into releasing new security updates.
All meetings are now password-protected and hosts are now able to use a “report a user” feature. The app also puts users into a virtual waiting room so that the host has to approve them before they can enter the meeting.
Take some time to learn about platform-specific security features
Whatever app you’re using, it’s good practice to look into the security features they’re offering. This will give you a better understanding of how you can protect your video calls in the future. In most cases, you’ll only have to make a few small adjustments to reduce the chance of your meetings being hijacked.
If you find that the security features on offer are lacking, then it’s probably time to find a new app rather than making-do.
Learn more about how our secure cloud accounting software could help you and your business.