How To: Avoid Zoom-Bombers
We know that cyber trickery runs high in the remote working world we’ve found ourselves in. Today, we’re reporting a recent spike in new tactics that happen to center around one of the highest volume virtual tools on the planet right now – one we all know and love.
“Zoom-bombers” are exactly what they sound like. They are trolls and pranksters who join and disrupt Zoom conferences by sharing explicit materials. But if you are ever hosting a meeting, particularly a large or public meeting, there are a number of things you can do to avoid them.
HOW TO AVOID ZOOM-BOMBERS WHEN HOSTING A ZOOM MEETING
USE A UNIQUE ID
When you create a Zoom account, the app assigns you a Personal Meeting ID (PMI) that you can use for all meetings. It may be appropriate to use your unique PMI for a standing team meeting. But you should always select Generate Automatically next to Meeting ID for large conferences or meetings with strangers.
REQUIRE A PASSWORD
If you invite people to join a meeting, but you require an RSVP, you should consider requiring a password. That way, you can distribute the password to RSVPs that appear credible. Please note that this is only possible if you also choose Generate Automatically next to Meeting ID.
CREATE A WAITING ROOM
For typical Zoom meetings, participants are welcome to chat with one another before the host joins. If you want to make sure that all attendees were invited before allowing them to speak with one another, select Enable waiting room next to Meeting Options.
MAKE SURE ONLY THE HOST CAN SHAIR THEIR SCREEN
You can enable this setting in advance by visiting the Zoom web portal, navigating to Profile > Settings > In Meeting (Basic) and look for Screen sharing. Then select Host Only.
LOCK YOUR MEETING AFTER IT BEGINS
If everyone you expect to join has joined, you can lock the meeting so that no one else can enter. While the meeting is running, navigate to the bottom of the screen and click Manage Participants. Once the Participants panel is open, navigate to the bottom, select More > Lock Meeting.
KICK A PARTICIPANT OUT OF A MEETING
While the meeting is running, navigate to the Participants pane on the right. Hover over the name of the person you want out of the meeting, and select Remove.
*A NOTE ABOUT YOUR ZOOM PRIVACY*
While you can make the above efforts to keep Zoom-bombers from your meetings, keep in mind that the information lives on. Your Zoom data is encrypted to prevent external attackers from seeing your data, but please note that this data may still live within Zoom. If that is a concern of yours, you may want to consider using FaceTime or WhatsApp instead.
Daisy Smith
Assistant Director, Communications
"Don’t take yourself too seriously.”
I found myself at 14 West after 18 months of traveling and teaching in Bali, Thailand, and Australia. And now 5 years later, I’ve learned and grown with my team in extraordinary ways. I think that’s due in large part to the fact that I’ve been encouraged to approach my work and explore my potential in the same ways I’ve explored other parts of the world. I’m constantly asking questions, seeing and doing new things. And learning A LOT. I didn’t expect to find an experience like this in “an office back home.”
I love my position at 14 West because I’m invited to take on a diverse range of responsibilities. From running our Wellness Program to brand development and brand marketing to writing, I have a broad range of interests. And my role allows me to develop my skills through work that truly excites me. I have a hard time saying no to new projects, even when I already have a full plate. But when I take on too much, the leaders here are there with the support I need to get the job done. At the same time, I’m given the creative freedom to feel real ownership over my projects, which only motivates me more.
What is one thing you have to do every day in the office? Gotta have my essential oil diffuser going. Five of us share an office and we’re all hooked on the diffuser now, but it’s my job to create the perfect oil cocktail each morning to set the tone for the day. I’m obsessed.
