Have you heard of zoombombing? It’s only the latest tactic hackers are using to cause trouble with work-at-home tools.
When a Zoom group is in a session, watching a presentation, or taking part in a meeting, a troll enters and takes over the screen. They display sexually explicit content, racial slurs, and more. In many cases, the host has no choice but to end the session.
The problem stems from Zoom’s own policy, which allows all attendees equal access to screen sharing. Unless a host disables this option in their settings - and most hosts don’t, especially new users - it’s a free-for-all for anyone who enters.
To reduce the potential problem, a host should do a few things:
- Disable the “join before host” option so attendees can’t cause trouble before you arrive
- Have a “co-host” that helps you monitor behavior and can make split-second decisions to help out with security
- Disable “file transfer” to eliminate others from uploading viruses and other malicious content
- Disable “allow removed participants to rejoin” to ensure a booted attendee doesn’t have access to join again
Just one of the many workarounds we’re learning about, now that we’ve become a work-at-home society.
That’s what’s leaving us vulnerable, and opening us up to malicious behavior like never before. Who thinks about HIPAA laws when you’re trying desperately to answer a patient’s question? Or help a frustrated team member who is having a really bad day? It’s human nature to find a solution.
And that’s what hackers are counting on.
To build a more secure environment, you can use this simple training method to teach your team members to be safer while they work-at-home? Ask five questions first.
- Do I understand how to complete this task at home using the tools available to me?
- Do I have the necessary tools in place with proper security to complete the task safely?
- Who am I putting at risk if I do a task in this manner?
- What would be a better solution?
- How can I improve the job I am doing?
These are challenging times. We’re making up the rules as we go along.
To make the process better for everyone, it’s more crucial than ever speak up. Teach your employees to ask questions first. And if they see anything at all, stop and evaluate before moving forward.
Stay safe out there.
For IT Strategy, Cloud Conversion, or Help Desk Services reach out to us at Silver Linings Technology 360-450-4759.
