Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, in-person meetings have been put on hold since 2020. The globe has also seen an increase in the number of people working from home. As a result of these changes, many businesses have begun to use video calls and conferences to establish and streamline communication lines.
Although videoconferencing is not a new trend, many individuals are using it for the first time in the COVID-19 period. And, because everyone knows how vicious cybercriminals can be, this is one of the most pressing concerns for companies on a work-from-home setup: How secure are internet video chats and conference meetings?
Hackers have shifted their attention to video conferencing services, as they do to any technology that quickly becomes popular. Some will try to steal information, while others are just looking to get a kick out of disrupting a sensitive meeting. Here’s everything you need to know:
1. Download Only Authenticated Apps
Only download video conferencing apps from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. While you’re at it, see how many people have downloaded an app, check its rankings and user reviews before pressing “install”. You may also read reviews on social media and other online review platforms, as well as review articles. This will assist you in identifying fake applications.
It is important to note that even if an app is genuine, it is best to disable its access to other apps. Turn off any applications that offer downloaded apps access to send you unwanted advertising and enable third-party information sharing. Also, disable settings that allow the app to access your contacts.
2. Protect Each Meeting With Unique Passwords or ID Numbers
If your conferencing provider has these capabilities, make sure to enable them for each conference you host. If you are not the host, ask someone else to do it. Other options, such as the ability to authorise each member before joining, may be offered to limit access to your video conference. Consider enabling them as well.
3. Lock Meetings After Starting
Once the meeting starts and everybody else is present, lock the meeting to new participants. You’ll see a Lock Meeting button in the participants pop-up box. No new participants may attend when you lock the meeting, even if they have the meeting ID and password.
4. Double-Check What’s on Your Screen Before Sharing It
Before using the “share screen” option, ensure your screen doesn’t contain sensitive information like financial or personal data. Avoid unintentionally revealing your email address, as well as accidental close-ups of your ID, a credit card or anything else you don’t want a stranger to see.
5. Think Twice Before Using Public WiFi
The same qualities that make free WiFi hotspots appealing to users also make them appealing to hackers, especially the lack of authentication required to create a network connection. This gives the hacker unrestricted access to unprotected devices on the same network. Take caution when using them.
Hackers and cybercriminals are opportunistic IT professionals who will do whatever to steal your data. They aren’t bulky men wearing masks in a cellar or abandoned warehouse. As a result, using force to keep them out is not an option. You can only beat them by reducing their chances of penetrating your system and decreasing the data they can get if they breach the system.
Keep your company’s sensitive information protected with the help of a digital brand protection company! FraudWatch has helped countless businesses protect themselves from brand abuse, fraud, phishing, malware, and brand impersonation since 2003. Ensure the integrity of your online conferences and communications by contacting us today!