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With physical distancing in full effect for an unspecified length of time, videoconferencing is the new way of the world. Businesses have moved their staff meetings, board meetings, and one on one client meetings online.
There are plenty of online tools to help you connect “face-to-face” without potentially breathing COVID-19 laced germs all over your colleagues, but are they secure?
Hackers are moving with the times and technology. They know that businesses are relying on video conferencing tools more than ever, so they’re a stationary target in this time of crisis. That’s why it’s more important than ever to double down on security measures.
Are Video Conferencing Solutions Secure?
Many businesses are becoming more concerned about the security of their online communications as news spreads of meetings on the popular video conferencing app “Zoom” being hijacked. The intrusions are usually just disruptive to a meeting, with threats, pornographic images, etc. being shared with users. However, there’s also the threat that unidentified lurkers might be listening in unnoticed.
The good news is that most video collaboration apps are boosting their security measures in light of the recent intrusions. Zoom has increased security measures, including adding password protection to their meetings and requiring hosts to admit people via a waiting room. There are also a few measures you can take to boost the security of your online meetings.
Tips for Secure Conferencing
Although many apps have built-in security features, some of these can be changed or turned on and off (usually for the sake of convenience). Although making conferencing easy for clients and employees is important, security should always be your top priority. Here’s a list of simple features and actions that can help you protect your online meetings.
Create Policies and Procedures Around Videoconferencing for Your Staff
Built-in technology is great for security, but there’s always a human component. Putting policies and procedures in place ensures you have a consistent line of defence for your meetings. Include aspects like which tools can be used, features to turn on, how to send invitations securely, what can and cannot be discussed, and how to conduct the meeting.
If necessary, schedule staff training on your tool of choice to make sure everyone on your team is on the same page.
Ask Attendees Not to Publicly or Privately Share Links
This is a simple but important request. Sharing links to calls on public platforms provides another way for hackers to access your meetings. When you send out an email invitation, be sure to add a note requesting that users don’t share the link. If someone else needs to join the meeting, they can request that the administrator of the meeting send the link directly from the software.
Turn on Waiting Room Features
Waiting room features allow the host of the meeting to individually grant access to each attendee, boosting your control over who joins.
Use Password Protection
Use password protection for all meetings. End of story.
Don’t Share Sensitive Information
If you have communications that are classified and need to be shared, use another tool such as email to send those out in advance. Make sure the method of communication you use matches the sensitivity of the information being shared.
Keep Software Fully Up to Date
Outdated software doesn’t have the latest security updates and may be more vulnerable to attacks. Be sure to upgrade your software every time there’s an update, and before hosting any meetings
Ask Your Edmonton IT Service Provider About Secure Video Conferencing Solutions
There’s no one who knows your business’ security needs better than your managed service provider. To get the best solutions to fully protect your business from cyberattacks, ensure you’re in close contact with your IT specialist for questions about which type of software to use, how to handle policy creation, and what your next steps are for security measures.
If you need an Edmonton IT company that’s ready to help your business succeed in online communications, contact our team at Alt-Tech for more information.
