Security challenges in Virtual Meetings With Corona, Virtual meetings and online working also became part of our lives. But with this, there were also questions on the security and privacy in these virtual meetings as these applications weren’t as safe as we think they are. Here are some security challenges that people faced during these Virtual meetings:

· Zoom bombings

Zoom bombing is the unwanted internet trollers who keep spreading numerous hate comments or interruptions, while the video conferencing is on. Some hijackers, hijack video conferencing without invitations and this is increasing a different kind of internet trolling and IT Security administrator have to keep an eye on such intrusions. Enable waiting room and allow only known users to the meeting. Zoom software has released many security updates and you should update to the latest version.

• Data leaks

It is claimed that video conferencing  apps may have data leaks as anyone who is not part of your meeting can enter in your meeting with the same link, especially when you share the link in group chats or on social platforms.  Also Zoom chat feature allows users to chat to each other but if also allows URL to be shared. So if a malicious URL link is shared and an user clicks on the URL , it may also leak the users windows network credentials . So don’t click on unknown URL’s being posted in Chat windows.

• Not getting enough Privacy

Video Conferencing apps are found sharing users’ information to third-party apps such as social media apps and others. One video conferencing  app, zoom was found accused of sharing details to Facebook, even if the users who are not on Facebook or never were.  

• Failing to differentiate between Web URLs 

A video conferencing app was found to fail differentiating between the URLs, or formatting with the help of backward slashes, as in https://zyzf.com and network addresses, which are normally formatted with frontward slashes, e.g., \\www.zyzf.exe which was giving the hackers a permit to enter in any meeting and make different interruptions, thus threatening the privacy of the organization. Just by clicking these links can put participant’s device and all the details in these devices in danger.

• Can be hacked easily

Recently, researchers disguised themselves in the Pwn2Own hackathon, where they were able to have control over PCs and Macs by utilizing exposure in the Zoom desktop app. A similar exposure was exposed in Microsoft Teams, too. Many other researchers highlighted that while screen sharing is going on, users’ other screens were also visible for a short time except just the screen that the user was trying to showcase to everyone. In some other cases, when screen recording was on, anyone could use it against the one who is sharing and can record anything from the meeting on their phone which can they share later with anyone. Also using chat windows, users can freely share files to a group & a mistake can be costly in such cases. Virtual meetings and applications are good innovations and making life easier for us especially during pandemic & WFH situations. However, it also poses security threats. VC software companies are constantly taking care of security threats in their latest updates and hence you should always use the latest version. Company IT admin team should enable all the security options available which a normal user may not be aware to make the VC as safe as possible. About SNS Secure Network Solutions (SNS) is a Cyber Security-focused company helping businesses use the internet safely for the last 21 years. For any cyber security concerns and to protect your business against cyber-attacks, feel free to write us at: [email protected]