Why think twice before using the Zoom app?
The Zoom video conferencing app that most people know and use during the pandemic comes with many issues security. Below we will look at them carefully to decide if it is really worth using it.
Although Zoom is well known and used by many, it is definitely not the only video conferencing application. Before using the Zoom application, think about:
1. Collects and shares large amounts of data
You may be surprised by data collection policies of the Zoom app if you take the time to check them out. They collect and share email addresses as well information that are uploaded during video conferencing and chats.
It's even worse if you sign up for Zoom through your Facebook or Google account, because you give Zoom access to data collected by these companies.
2. E2E encryption is disabled by default
Although Zoom offers an end-to-end encryption format (E2EE by end-to-end encryption) for your meetings, it is not enabled by default. If you do not enable it, your session will only use Zoom "enhanced encryption", a much less secure protocol.
You can activate E2EE from your account settings, but you must also enter and verify your billing information - even if E2EE comes free. In addition, activating E2EE will disable Zoom conference capabilities. Other services are not as strict.
3. Zombbombing still exists
Zoombombing is the act of entering a conference without being invited. The malicious user who "book" at the conference, usually tries to attract attention in a very bad way. It was widely reported at the beginning of the pandemic, but continues to this day. Zoom tried to address the problem with passwords and queues, but without success.
According to researchers (PDF), Zoombombing continues because of the legitimate members of a conference who share passwords with intruders or intruders who "disguise" themselves as legal members.
4. History of cheating and wrong steps
In February 2021, the FTC reached settlement with Zoom for a report alleging that the company violated certain security protocols. Under this arrangement, Zoom had to make many improvements to the platform.
According to the report, Zoom falsely claimed to provide E2EE encryption when in fact, it did not. It kept users' video conferencing hidden and installed software on Appliances without any permission.
Bypassing these security measures, Zoom could remain on a computer even after being uninstalled by users.
5. Large companies have banned the application
If the above reasons do not convince you, consider how many large organizations and companies have turned to alternative video conferencing applications. THE SpaceXThe NASA, And the Bank of America are three examples.
What can you use instead of Zoom?
Despite Zoom's commitment to change, the video conferencing tool has a big one record deception and failures.
Try using one of the free alternatives.
Zoom fail: the best alternative applications
