What Businesses Should Learn From Zoom’s Privacy And Security Flaws When Using Video Conferencing

Zoom Video Communication Inc. was sued by one of its shareholders for overstating its privacy standards and not disclosing that its service was not entirely secure.

The shareholder claimed that media reports highlighting the privacy and security flaws in the video application resulted in the plummeting of the company’s stock.  Zoom lost nearly a third of its market value by end of March. And that’s not all.

Although Zoom CEO apologized and promised to take the necessary steps to fix the issues, businesses have a reason to worry now than ever. Why?

Most employees and their bosses have to work from home. And we’re starting to notice several cybersecurity concerns. But it’s not just affecting employees and employers.

Customers are also embracing technology to get products and services. So if your business uses unsecured digital solutions, you might lose thousands of dollars and even push your customers to your competition. We don’t want that to happen to you.

In this blog post, we explain four things businesses should learn from Zoom’s privacy and security flaws to ensure you’re using video communication safely and securely.

Never Underestimate Network Security

When you install a new set of applications to your network, it can be easy to assume they will be automatically secured by existing firewalls. But this is not the case.

Most video communication platforms and endpoints will often depend on their own Session Border Controller (SBC) to control traffic, such as blocking suspicious connections. This is because these technologies use different protocols.

For instance, some video conferencing solutions use ordinary data connections while others use voice over internet protocol (VoIP).

Therefore, it is wise to make sure your firewalls are configured accordingly before and after installing new applications. Also, be sure to review your network settings regularly to ensure they’re up to date.

Encryption Is Crucial

Apart from network security, encryption is another must-have for video communication to be secure. It stops snoopers from getting into your system and secures the content of your communications.

Zoom, for instance, was accused of failing to meet this security measure. And the CEO said the company is working to add end-to-end encryption to protect the privacy of its users.

Access Permissions Are Your Safety Nets

Unlike what most people believe, not all security breaches are caused by hackers who intentionally break into systems. If wrong people are inadvertently granted access to sensitive communications like video conferencing, it can quickly result in security issues.

For example, businesses using open virtual meeting spaces or not following the right settings when inviting participants can easily find themselves losing sensitive information.

One of the surest ways to avoid this mistake is to use permissions. By developing different access levels for different video conferences, you control who can access your communications. Fortunately, most video conferencing platforms today support the creation of dedicated groups. Use them to your advantage right now.

Safe Use Policy Is Important

Using state-of-the-art network security measures and end-to-end encryption can only do so much if people in your company don’t know how to use video conferencing securely. Human error still accounts for most cybersecurity issues.

People tend to make the following mistakes when using video or teleconferencing:

• Using unsecured Wi-Fi connections
• Unintentionally switching encryption off or not knowing how to securely install video conferencing applications on their devices.
• Exposing sensitive information inadvertently during a video call.

Businesses that have successfully embraced video conferencing know that training employees on safe use policy are extremely important. As such, create a clear set of policies on how to use the system, secure connection, and best practices to keep data safe.

As more people work from home, video conferencing is gaining popularity. Without the right measures, this solution can put your business at a greater risk. At Insure Your Company, we care about your business. If you suspect you’re at risk or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to call us on 888-242-4675.