Video conferencing cybersecurity tips

Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

By Noah Rue

If your business isn’t actively using video conferencing software to conduct meetings, then you likely soon will be. Even if your company isn’t planning to turn to a remote workforce, there is simply too much convenience with the ability to meet face-to-face with a coworker without leaving home or your personal office.

However, just like with most forms of technology, video software is subject to the possibility of breaches by hackers, and if you don’t have the proper protections in place, then those cybercriminals could see and steal confidential information that could put your business in jeopardy. Let’s talk about the dangers of video apps and how to stay protected.

The risk of video conferencing

Video conferencing apps offer many perks that make office life easier than ever. In addition to the opportunity to see your coworker in person from anywhere with a webcam, you can also share your computer screen with other meeting members for better presentations. Unfortunately, if you aren’t proactive with cybersecurity, hackers can take advantage of those same conveniences.

All it takes is one instance of lax security for a hacker to get into your system, and once inside, they can install spyware or viruses that allow them to also see your screen and save your corporate data, which can be sold to other organizations or on the black market. Hackers can also steal the personally identifiable information (PII) of your customers that could include anything from credit card numbers to driver’s license info, and that too can be sold illegally or used to take out fraudulent loans.

In many cases, a cybercriminal can even present themselves as a member of the group during a meeting and listen to the information that is shared. This can be easy to accomplish if you have a video with many attendees, so in addition to taking roll call at the start of the call, you should be proactive with smart security.

Tips to stay protected

The first thing that you need to protect your video conference session is to require all invitees to enter a password to join. A computer-generated password is best because the random combination of letters, numbers, and special characters will be difficult for a hacker to guess. In addition to the password, enact a form of two-factor authentication such as a unique code that is sent to your phone, so it is even more difficult for a hacker to duplicate.

In addition to passwords, you should also configure your video conferencing app to have all guests enter a waiting room instead of joining the meeting directly. Once in the waiting room, a moderator can allow the attendees in once they validate that they belong there.

If a hacker can get their hands on transcripts or recordings of your confidential information, then your company could still be in trouble. To completely cover your basis, make it a point to encrypt the meeting recordings so they cannot be read, even if hackers do obtain them.

If you take all of these precautions but you still notice signs of a potential breach, such as a sudden surge in spam emails or random popup messages, then you should bring in a cybersecurity expert who can analyze your system, delete viruses, and patch any existing vulnerabilities so you can go on with your business in confidence.

Video conference etiquette

Now that you know how to protect your video sessions and your data, you can focus more on presenting your best self during your next meeting. Whether you are networking online to find your next position or meeting with the CEO of your current organization, you can make a great impression by dressing professionally, eliminating distractions, and looking directly into the camera when it is your time to speak. You should be as confident on video as you are in person.

In addition to your personal appearance, the space where you hold your meetings is just as important, especially what’s in the background. Your best bet is to sit in front of a wall that is a neutral tone and avoid flashy artwork or bookshelves that could distract the audience. You can make your life even easier by using digital backgrounds, which are available on programs like Zoom or Skype and can feature anything from a nature scene to your corporate logo.

In the end, the secrets to a successful video call include a professional presentation and a cybersecurity strategy that eliminates the chance of a data breach. Incorporate both, and you will be set for success.

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Noah Rue is a journalist and content writer, fascinated with the intersection between global health, personal wellness, and modern technology. When he isn’t searching out his next great writing opportunity, Noah likes to shut off his devices and head to the mountains to disconnect.

 

1 comment

  1. Useful pointers on maintaining cyber security during video conferencing.. Good read!

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