As videoconferencing has become more popular in the age of COVID, it has attracted the attention of hackers who have taken to ‘Zoom bombing.’ This is where a virtual meeting is disrupted by graphic or threatening messages or images, often including hate speech or pornographic materials. Zoom, it should be noted, isn’t the only videoconferencing platform susceptible to bombing.
Among the best practices to avoid or prevent Zoom bombing include:
- Be acquainted with the technology you’re using. Test it before your meeting so that you can maintain control.
- Use a program that only allows authenticated users to participate in any capacity. Limit the ability to invite or allow others in to one or two leaders. Instruct participants to keep sign-in information confidential.
- Do not make meetings or classrooms public.
- Disable the ‘join before host’ setting.
- Manage screen-sharing options.
