What steps can you take to keep video conferencing private?

1 Choose a secure platform

The first step to keep video conferencing private is to choose a platform that offers strong encryption, authentication, and privacy features. Encryption means that your data is scrambled and only readable by the intended recipients. Authentication means that you can verify the identity of the participants and control who can join the meeting. Privacy features mean that you can adjust the settings to limit what information is shared, such as your name, email, location, or camera. Some examples of secure platforms are Signal, Jitsi, and Wire.

2 Use a strong password

The second step to keep video conferencing private is to use a strong password for your account and your meetings. A strong password is one that is long, complex, and unique, and that you do not use for any other service. A weak password is one that is short, simple, or common, and that you reuse for multiple accounts. A weak password can be easily guessed or cracked by hackers, who can then access your video conferencing account and join or disrupt your meetings. You can use a password manager to generate and store strong passwords for you.

3 Enable end-to-end encryption

The third step to keep video conferencing private is to enable end-to-end encryption for your meetings. End-to-end encryption means that your data is encrypted from your device to the device of the other participants, and that no one else, not even the platform provider, can see or access it. This prevents anyone from intercepting, modifying, or stealing your data while it is in transit. However, not all platforms support end-to-end encryption, and some may require you to turn it on manually. You can check the platform's documentation or settings to see if it offers end-to-end encryption and how to enable it.

4 Disable unnecessary features

The fourth step to keep video conferencing private is to disable unnecessary features that may expose your data or compromise your security. For example, it is advisable to disable screen sharing, as it may reveal sensitive or personal information. Additionally, one should be wary of file sharing, as it can introduce malware or viruses that can infect your device or network. Lastly, recording should be disabled or permission should be asked for before recording as it can violate the privacy or consent of the other participants.

5 Update your software

The fifth step to keep video conferencing private is to update your software regularly. Updating your software means that you install the latest versions of the platform, the operating system, and the browser that you use for video conferencing. Updating your software can fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance security. Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers, who can then access your device, data, or network. You can check for updates manually or enable automatic updates.

6 Educate yourself and others

The sixth and final step to keep video conferencing private is to educate yourself and others about the best practices and the potential risks of video conferencing. Educating yourself and others means that you learn and share the tips and tricks to use video conferencing safely and effectively. It also means that you are aware and alert of the possible threats and attacks that can target your video conferencing sessions, such as phishing, spoofing, or zoom-bombing. You can educate yourself and others by reading articles, watching videos, or attending webinars on video conferencing security and privacy.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?