Safety & Security
Fake Zoom Link
Today’s global workforce is more connected than ever thanks to video conference calls through services like Zoom. Face-to-face interactions with coworkers in different cities and states build employee morale and help businesses operate efficiently.
The trick is to ensure all online communication is secure. A fake conference call or Zoom link can compromise important personal and company information. It’s important for businesses to understand and communicate safe Zoom practices for on-ground and remote staff alike.
Is Zoom Safe?
Zoom is safe to use, but recognizing the potential danger in using online conference call services is good practice. Zoom has systems in place to mitigate potential harm and keep everyone’s information safe. You can read about Zoom’s security features straight from the source, but some of the most helpful systems include:
- Firewall compatibility
- Meeting invitations
- Real-time media encryption
- Passcode-protected meetings
- Two-step authentication
- Chat encryption
Zoom’s Privacy Policy
Zoom has a transparent privacy statement explaining the information they collect from users and how they use it. The company collects various user data and uses it for everything from product development to marketing, but they ensure they do not sell any personal data. Zoom also clarifies that they do not use information from its users’ meetings for advertising purposes.
What Risks Are Involved?
While Zoom implements various measures to ensure user security, a few risks are still present. For one, it’s still possible for third parties to breach the firewall and access private meetings. Companies discussing sensitive information should be cautious about doing so through Zoom, as there is potential for a call to be intercepted.
The risk that impacts the most Zoom users is the fake zoom link. Scammers are using a new tactic called phishing wherein they trick victims into clicking a malicious link by disguising it as something recognizable. Phishers want information like employee IDs, passwords, bank account information and more. Zoom’s rise in popularity has led to fake conference call links becoming one of the most common phishing tactics.
How to Recognize a Fake Zoom Invite
Phishers are so dangerous because they mimic sources we trust. Zoom is a reliable source, so many phishing campaigns use their name. Fortunately, recognizing a fake zoom meeting link is easy for the attentive user.
If you have been invited to a Zoom meeting, you shouldn’t have to log in to join the meeting. All you have to do is visit the site or open the desktop app, input the Meeting ID your host sent in advance, add your name and click Join. If you are presented with a login screen, that should make you suspicious.
Zoom Tips to Implement at Work
Zoom is safe for nearly any company to use with a few precautions. Here are a few Zoom safety tips your company can implement.
Use a Safe Meeting ID
A Meeting ID is the only requirement to sign into a Zoom meeting, and the service automatically assigns one when you schedule a call. Send the safe Meeting ID code to everyone you want to attend the video conference and keep it secure from unauthorized personnel.
Monitor Your Network Connection
Zoom requires an internet connection to join and host meetings, so make sure you’re on a secure network. Your office or home Wi-Fi networks should be safe, especially with a firewall or antivirus program. At times, your device may jump to a different network if there’s one nearby. Keep tabs on your connection so you know you’re on a Wi-Fi network you can trust.
Use a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) bolsters Wi-Fi security by hiding your internet protocol (IP) address. VPNs make it much harder for cyber scammers to track employees’ internet usage and find their sensitive information like Meeting IDs and login information.
Don’t Log in After Clicking Links in Emails
Receiving a Zoom link instead of a Meeting ID is a red flag. The link is likely fake, and inputting your login information will hand it over to the phisher. In this case, if you were to go to Zoom directly, or switch to the Zoom app, and then try to put in the meeting number given as text in the email, you would sidestep the phishing page altogether.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication if You Can
Zoom supports two-factor authentication, based on one-time codes generated by an app on your phone, and most email services do, too. With a different code every time you log in, the inconvenience to you is very slight, but the extra effort for the crooks is huge because your password alone is no longer enough.
Turn on the Waiting Room Feature
Zoom’s Waiting Rooms are virtual staging areas where guests will wait in private until the host is ready to start the meeting. The host is in control of when guests join, as well as which guests they accept. Attentive hosts will spot unauthorized or suspicious users in the Waiting Room.
Tell Your IT Team Promptly if You Receive a Fake Meeting Call Request
Crooks rarely send phishing emails to just one person in a company, so if you can act as your organization’s early-warning system, you’ll help to protect everyone else. Reporting fake conference calls early will help your company take the right actions to prevent further attempts.
If You Were Phished, Change Your Password at Once
Even if you fall for a phish at first, you can still minimize the damage. Many phishers are obvious after you put in your password because you don’t end up where you should and the deception stands out. The sooner you change your password, the less time the crooks have to try it out first.
Preach Zoom Diligence
The best way to keep your company and staff safe from cyber threats on Zoom is to foster a culture of awareness. Companies should have a consistent blueprint for Zoom meetings so that employees know what to expect and can spot when something is amiss. Proactivity is the best defense.
How to Join a Zoom Meeting Safely
Zoom is safe to use as long as you know the right way to join a meeting. For step-by-step instructions on how to join a Zoom meeting, check out this short video.
Learn More With PeoplesBank
At PeoplesBank, we understand that cyber security is a key component of establishing financial security. Our clients can access the Client Care Center to better understand their digital banking resources and how to use them safely. We also offer Identity Management services that help clients protect sensitive information.
Ready to learn more about safety and security with PeoplesBank? Check out our free online resources to get started!