COVID-19 and the rapid transition to remote meetings and work-from-home roles helped create a Zoom boom. The banner year may be over, but 2021 is promising growth in video call usage as well. There is, however, a dark side to all this increased usage.
With reports of Zoom security issues, it can be challenging to know whether this platform is appropriate for a business environment. Learn more about this video chat company’s meteoric rise, common security issues, and how to shore up your business’s Zoom cybersecurity.
Rapid Adoption of Zoom
Just as the coronavirus changed many other aspects of life seemingly overnight, Zoom, well, zoomed ahead in the web conferencing world and became an overnight superstar.
There were 300 million daily participants in March 2020, which was an incredible increase from the 10 million daily participants in December 2019. And Zoom’s growth is continuing in 2021. Even if you’re not using Zoom on a regular basis, at least some of your partners and competitors are likely doing so.
Zoom Security Risks for a Business Environment
Zoom has gone to great lengths to update privacy and safety on their app and browser-based video conferencing platform. Unfortunately, there have been some security risks reported. Here are some common issues that companies and work-from-home employees are experiencing:
- Desktop app issues: The desktop app is a convenient feature that allows desktop access to your conference calls. However, it also takes longer to receive security enhancements, which has made it more prone to security issues than the web version.
- Zoom-bombing: A prank call is an annoying issue, but an unwelcome video call guest can be particularly embarrassing or frustrating as a business owner, and it has unfortunately even led to high school students being exposed to inappropriate content during remote classes. Unless you have a password on your meetings, any caller can guess the nine to 11 digit ID number and enter your meeting.
- Leaked passwords: Though this type of attack is more rare, advanced keystroke tracking software can record your movements on a Zoom call and uncover any passwords or other information you type on a call. It does so by watching shoulder, arm, and eye movements as you type. To avoid being susceptible to this type of attack, you could consider turning off your camera if you must enter a password while on a call, or avoid entering passwords altogether while on a video call.
- Malware bundled with installers: The official installer is a secure way to download the Zoom app, but many copies and unreliable installers are available. Hackers create these installers to put malware on your computer, which can range from adware to cryptocurrency-mining malware that eats through your GPU and CPU. Some malware could also give hackers access to your webcam, even when you aren’t in a video call.
Recommendations for Zoom Security
Despite improved safety features being rolled out by the company, it’s important to take steps to maintain your own cybersecurity when using Zoom.
For the best Zoom security, we recommend using the browser version rather than the desktop app. To promote company-wide security, our team can create an IT system that prevents the use of the desktop app throughout your company.
Solely accessing Zoom from a browser also prevents malware bundling from installers, as it makes downloading software to your computer unnecessary. However, if you do download the app for whatever reason, make sure to only install Zoom from the official Zoom Download Center.
It’s also advisable to always use Zoom’s password protection feature for meetings to prevent potential Zoom-bombing.
A final step for maximum Zoom security is to ensure that all security elements such as anti-virus and network security are in place. These basic precautions can spell the difference between protection and disaster if a bad actor does attempt to disrupt your system, through Zoom or other means.
By taking these simple precautions, you can safely use Zoom in a business setting with extremely low risk of cyber attacks or other disruptions.
Update Your Cybersecurity with Tolar Systems
At Tolar Systems, we offer cybersecurity for Texas businesses from our convenient downtown Abilene location. We’ve helped our clients make a smooth transition to remote work environments by providing everything from remote security resources to communication technology training.
Explore our security services to learn more about video conference safety best practices. We offer resources for better business security, and we can help you install a leading antivirus program to reduce the risk of malware.
Although there will always be concerns with privacy and security when using technology to communicate, using Zoom as your video conferencing platform can be a safe solution for a business environment with the right precautions.
