In a few short months, video meetings have become the favoured method of communication. Before the pandemic, such meetings were restricted to a few. However, with lockdown shutting up offices and confining people to their homes, such meetings naturally grew in prominence. Yet, due to the rapid growth of video meetings, many are still unaware of the critical security considerations. Criminals and hackers are increasingly attracted to video meetings as a method of crime.
Notably, the Zoom bombing witnessed a widespread trend. It involves an uninvited attendee of a meeting dropping in unannounced. Typically, such people ruin the discussion with obnoxious music or inappropriate pictures (often of a sexual nature). Such behaviour can derail a meeting, and for schools using video meetings, it can be a disaster.
Therefore, to protect your data, your privacy, and the dignity of the meeting, it is vital to familiarise yourself with the security considerations of video meetings.
Lock the door
Consider how you approach a meeting in daily life. Offices have reception areas, preventing passers-by from dropping in unannounced. Meeting doors are shut. Privacy is maintained. It might be a little bizarre and unnerving if someone were to lock the door, however. In the real world, it prevents people from leaving as much as it does people entering. Yet, in a virtual meeting, it is the surest way to avoid an uninvited and unwelcome guest.
Once everyone who is expected has joined the meeting, prevent anyone further from entering. Furthermore, meetings can be password protected. Doing so will ensure only those you want to join can do so. However, be careful about how the password is distributed. Send it via a secure channel, such as email or via a messaging app like Microsoft Teams.
Keep a note of the attendees
At the start of a meeting, take note of who has joined. Compare the list of invited participants with the attendees who are present. Not everyone who joins uninvited will disrupt the meeting; some may lurk in the background, gaining access to important company information. In future, such information could be used for bribery or to hack the company’s systems. Therefore, anyone in attendance who should not be can be removed from the call.
Use the waiting room
You can also enable a waiting room feature. This feature will prevent people from immediately joining the meeting. Think of it as a reception area for a virtual meeting. It allows people to be verified before being let in. Part of the problem of Zoom bombing was people were able to find the details of the meeting and enter into the middle of the discussion. Naturally, this led to disaster. Avoid such embarrassments by screening those wanting to join.
Hide your backdrop
There are two elements to video call security. The first involves uninvited guests joining, as we have addressed; the second concerns the individual privacy of the attendees. No one wants people snooping into their home. It’s why we have curtains and blinds. It stops people outside from looking in. However, with a video meeting, people have a direct view of your home. They may see who you live with or work out where you live. People have even gotten into trouble for the titles on their bookshelves.
That’s where virtual backgrounds come in. With the click of a button, you can hide your background using the latest green screen technology. Hello Background’s Zoom virtual backgrounds are ideal for hiding any unwanted sights. You choose from their stunning array of options, including swanky offices to stylish apartments. The choice is yours. Don’t let people see inside your home; maintain your privacy.
In conclusion
Criminals and hackers will always find a way to abuse modern technology. Evermore devious and insidious scams will be imagined. However, by following some simple tips, you reduce the risk of being on the receiving end. Remember, keep your meeting locked up, using passwords, waiting rooms, and keep a list of attendees. By doing so, you will ensure only those you want to join can.
Additionally, protect your privacy by using a virtual background. Thereby, guaranteeing no one will snoop on your home or make judgements on your belongings or décor.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to focus on the only important thing in the meeting: the work.
