In our increasingly digital world, video conferencing has become an essential tool for work, education, and social connections. However, this shift has also brought security challenges, with “Zoom bombing” emerging as a significant concern.

What is Zoom bombing?

Zoom bombing occurs when uninvited participants gain access to a video conference call, typically on platforms like Zoom. These intruders often disrupt meetings by sharing inappropriate content, making loud noises, or flooding the chat with unwanted messages.

Why is it a problem?

These intrusions can be more than just annoying – they can expose participants to offensive material, compromise sensitive information, and create a hostile environment. Zoom bombing can lead to lost productivity and potential legal issues.

How to protect your meetings:

1. Use unique meeting IDs and strong passwords for each session
2. Enable waiting rooms to screen participants before admitting them
3. Restrict screen sharing capabilities to hosts only
4. Lock meetings once all expected participants have joined
5. Avoid sharing meeting links on public platforms or social media
6. Use the latest version of your video conferencing software
7. Educate your team or students about online meeting etiquette and security, and familiarize yourself with the actions you can take as a host to stop inappropriate behavior in the moment

Not Just Zoom

Remember, while Zoom has given its name to this phenomenon, similar disruptions can occur on any video conferencing platform. Stay vigilant and implement these security measures regardless of the service you use.

By taking these precautions, we can create safer virtual spaces for collaboration, learning, and connection. Let’s work together to keep our online meetings secure and productive!