How To Secure Zoom Meetings

by tagadmin | July 3, 2020 | Blog

How To Secure Zoom Meetings

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, workers have been forced into remote positions. Without everybody at the office, communication can be tricky. That’s why so many businesses have started using the Zoom program to host meetings and communicate with employees. Meetings can contain sensitive information, however, and it’s essential that you stay safe. Here’s how to secure Zoom meetings properly even if you’re using the free version.

Make Meeting IDs and Passwords Unique

Before Zoom was utilized by businesses on such a massive scale, it was mostly used for friends to talk to each other much like they can on Skype. Not much security is generally required for that, so the ID that Zoom automatically generates for your profile is all someone would need to access any meeting. If you want to stay secure, you’ll need to take extra steps.

When you’re setting up a meeting, be sure to manually change the “Meeting ID” option. Set it to “Generate Automatically” and it will create an ID unique to that particular meeting rather than use the generic ID assigned to your profile or the profile of the person who is setting the meeting up. Additionally, check the “Require a Password” box. Zoom will automatically create a password, but you can customize the password to be whatever you like.

Make the Virtual Waiting Room Mandatory

Zoom has a unique feature called the Waiting Room. This is essentially a function that puts users into an isolated virtual room away from the meeting until they’re approved by the person controlling the meeting. This allows you to be a last line of defense for the meeting, requiring prospective participants to get your permission before entering.

While this virtual waiting room may seem like a hassle to deal with, it’s essential for overseeing who is being granted access to the room. You’ll receive a notification once someone enters the waiting room, and you can either investigate the person further or admit them right from the notification icon. Additionally, you can kick them out of the waiting room if it isn’t someone you invited.

Use Security Features

With the array of security features at your disposal, you should be sure to take advantage of all your opportunities. One of the most useful features is locking the meeting. Once all the invited participants are in, lock the meeting. That way, no one else can come in even if they have the meeting ID and password.

You may also want to disable the screen-sharing function. If someone who doesn’t belong manages to sneak in and then their screen, it can be particularly disruptive. Disabling screen-sharing is not a permanent setting, as you can enable it at any time during the meeting if the need arises.

If you’re looking for other cybersecurity solutions in addition to how to secure Zoom meetings, the Technology Advisory Group can help. We offer effective and simple solutions to complex problems all throughout Rhode Island and New England. Contact us today to learn more!