zoom phone

Video Conferencing Software Zoom Faces Scrutiny Over Hacks, Abusive Behavior During Meetings

The spread of “Zoombombing,” or hijacking a meeting room with abusive images or speech, has grown in scope as more Americans turn to teleconferencing for classroom instruction and workplace meetings.

As more Americans use video conferencing software to connect with coworkers, friends and family during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most popular platforms, Zoom, has faced several complaints from customers who have had their conferences “hijacked” by hackers.

The practice, also referred to as “Zoombombing,” has happened with several virtual classrooms and workplace meetings that did not have password protections for the meeting room and had their meeting room links available online.

The FBI’s Boston office issued a warning this week about the potential for hijacking after receiving several reports of “conferences being disrupted by pornographic and/or hate images and threatening language.”

One school in Massachusetts reported an incident where an unidentified individual dialed into the classroom, yelled a profanity and shared the teacher’s home address in the middle of the meeting. Another teacher reported that an unidentified individual appeared in their Zoom meeting room with visible swastika tattoos.

“As individuals continue the transition to online lessons and meetings, the FBI recommends exercising due diligence and caution in your cybersecurity effort,” the warning reads.

In a press statement, Zoom has said that it takes the security of its software seriously and that employees are “deeply upset” to hear about these types of attacks.

“For those hosting large, public group meetings, we strongly encourage hosts to review their settings and confirm that only the host can share their screen,” the company, which has faced criticism for cybersecurity issues in the past, said. “For those hosting private meetings, password protections are on by default and we recommend that users keep those protections on to prevent uninvited users from joining.”

The questions around Zoom’s cybersecurity practices and use of personal data have been escalated by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). The senator sent a letter to Zoom CEO Eric Yuan on Tuesday to seek information on Zoom’s protections against security threats and “abuse” of its services.

“The millions of Americans now unexpectedly attending school, celebrating birthdays, seeking medical help, and sharing evening drinks with friends over Zoom during the Coronavirus pandemic should not have to add privacy and cybersecurity fears to their ever-growing list of worries,” Blumenthal wrote.

New York Attorney General Letitia James sent a similar letter this week. Blumenthal has requested answers to his questions, which include inquiries about Zoom’s collection of personal data, use of “end-to-end encryption,” and policies against abusive behavior, by April 14.

In the meantime, users can report incidents of Zoombombing to the company so staff can take “appropriate action,” the company said. Victims of teleconference hijacking or any cyber crime can report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. The FBI offered other tips on preventing Zoombombing, including not sharing links to meeting rooms on unrestricted social media posts where trolls and hackers can find them.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during an on-campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.