As video conferencing becomes more prevalent for both business and personal use, it’s important to keep security in mind. Here are some tips to help keep your video conferences secure in 2024:
Use Encrypted Platforms
Encryption is key for securing video calls. Look for platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex that use end-to-end encryption so your conversations stay private. Encryption scrambles data so only intended recipients can unscramble and read it.
When researching platforms, check if they offer end-to-end encryption. This means only you and the people in the meeting can decrypt the data. Transport layer encryption between the client and server is not as secure.
Require Meeting Passwords
Adding a password to your video conferences provides an extra layer of security. Passwords prevent unwanted guests from joining the meeting.
Make the passwords unique and complex – at least 8 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Only share the password with invited attendees.
Some platforms let you create meeting IDs instead of sharing a permanent conference room link. New unique IDs for each meeting make it harder to guess meeting links.
Lock Your Session
Once all your meeting participants have joined, lock the conference. This prevents anyone else from entering, even if they have the meeting ID and password.
Look for the lock meeting function within your platform’s security settings. Locking the session also prevents unwanted guests if someone accidentally shares the meeting link publicly.
Limit Screen Sharing
Selectively limit screen sharing abilities to prevent oversharing. Many platforms allow the host to control screen sharing.
You can disable it entirely or only allow specific presenters to share their screens. That way you avoid any unintentional or inappropriate screens from being broadcast to the entire group.
Use Waiting Rooms
Waiting rooms are a great way to vet attendees before allowing them to join sensitive meetings. As the host, you can admit people from the waiting room once you’ve confirmed they should have access.
This prevents uninvited people who obtain the meeting ID and password from directly entering meetings. Use waiting rooms for large public events or private meetings containing confidential information.
Protect Meeting Links
Avoid publicly posting your meeting links on social media or other websites. Send the links directly to invited attendees through email or other private communication channels.
This prevents the links from being indexed by search engines or accessed by anyone outside your intended audience.
Follow Account Security Best Practices
Apply smart account security measures like using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and frequently updating software to the latest version.
Following account security best practices prevents unauthorized access to your video conferencing accounts. It also protects any sensitive meeting details saved within your account from potential breaches.
Use Headphones
Wearing headphones during video conferences helps keep conversations private on both ends. Your microphone picks up less ambient noise while your speakers don’t broadcast the call to those around you.
Beware of Meeting Bombing
As video call links proliferate online, there’s a growing trend of meeting bombing – malicious actors infiltrating public meetings. Take preventative measures like using passwords, waiting rooms, and locking sessions. Report any suspicious activity.
Staying vigilant about video conferencing security protects sensitive business meetings and personal calls from threats. Following these tips will lead to greater peace of mind while video conferencing in 2024 and beyond. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
