Zoom has faced severalprivacy and security concernsas more people turn to it as a way to communicate. Businesses, including SpaceX, have beguntelling employees to stop using the service, while others, including consumers, have started opting for alternatives. But what if you still need touse Zoom? We’ll teach you how to increase your privacy and security on what is quickly becoming one of the web’s most popular video conferencing services.
Update your Zoom software
Zoom has begun to handle a large number of its security flaws, already jumping to enable passwords for conference entry with digital waiting rooms and stopping its mobile iOS app fromsending data to Facebookin the background. Most of these changes take place in the cloud, but some require you to update your software. To update the Zoom client, follow these instructions:
Step 1:Open the Zoom desktop app.
Step 2:Click on your profile picture icon in the upper-right corner.
Step 3:Select theCheckforUpdatesoption.
Step 4:If there is an update, Zoom will take a few moments to load it. SelectUpdate. Zoom will then update and restart itself to complete the updating process.
iOS (iPad and iPhone)
Step 1:Open the App Store.
Step 2:Search for the Zoom app.
Step 3:If an update is available, the button will sayUpdate.
Step 4:Tap theUpdatebutton if available to begin.
Step 1:Open thePlay Storeapp. Tap on theMenuicon in the top-left corner (three stacked horizontal lines).
Step 2:SelectMy Apps & Games.
Step 3:If Zoom has an update available, it should appear within theUpdatestab, underUpdates Pending, and have anUpdatebutton to the right of it, as it should with any other Android app. Tap this button to start the update process.
Alternatively, you’re able to also select theInstalledtab and then scroll down until you seeZoom. If an update is available, you should still see anUpdatebutton to the right of it.
Step 4:You can also see if Zoom is up to date by opening the app itself, tapping theSettingsicon, selectingAbout, and then tappingVersion. If the app is up to date, a dialog box will appear saying so.
Update meeting settings
Zoom is working on updatingprivacy bugs and issuessuch aszoombombing, which is when an uninvited individual drops into an unlocked meeting and broadcasts violent or pornographic content. We recommend ensuring the following settings are altered to protect your session against these types of attacks. Please note that as Zoom is quickly rolling out updates, some of the defaults below may change, but double-checking them can never hurt.
To update any of the settings noted above, the host can make changes bylogging into their Zoomaccount onthe Zoom web portal. Once logged in, click theSettingsoption on the right side of the screen. You should then be able to find the above settings under theMeetingtab by scrolling down the list of settings under this section.
While in a meeting, some privacy settings can be adjusted via theShareScreenbutton, but most control is offered in the web portal’sSettingsmenu.
Switching away from Zoom
The best way to keep yourself protected from Zoom? Don’t use it. If you can make the change, opt for other meeting solutions such as Skype or Google Meet. If your entire team or family uses Apple products, you can also opt for FaceTime — a solution that is fully end-to-end encrypted. Mobile users can also consider Google Duo, a solution that works on both Android and iOS devices. For a full list of options, be sure to check out our guide to thebest videoconferencing softwareand find what works best for you.
