6 Things You Should Avoid in Video Conferencing for Your Security

The list provides tips to prevent the invasion of privacy during home office video call meetings

Video calls are increasingly popular as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Users of videoconferencing apps for Android and iPhone ( iOS ) participate in meetings at the home office or socialize with friends and relatives via cell phone. However, it is important to use some actions to prevent invasions of privacy, especially in work meetings in applications such as Zoom Meetings, Skype, Google Hangouts, and Microsoft Teams.

For this reason, we have prepared a list with some security tips that can be useful for those who use the video call feature, such as not disclosing the link to access groups on social networks or paying attention to the permissions of the videoconference apps, so that they do not have access to personal information.

1. Avoid Displaying Personal Details

At work meetings, avoid displaying photos and talking about family matters, and do not share personal data, such as addresses. Pay attention, too, to information that may be visible in your background, such as messages and sensitive reminders that may appear to other members.

Apps like Skype and Zoom can be useful to cover this type of information in plain view, offering options for scenarios to be inserted as a background, or that give a blur effect, blurring the environment behind.

2. Don't Leave Video Calls Open

Do not leave video calls unprotected - the ideal is to allow members to join only by a password when the function is available. Leaving calls open can pose a number of risks, allowing strangers and even cybercriminals to access the meeting. In addition, avoid accessing video calls through unsecured Wi-Fi networks, as this action can also compromise the security and privacy of the shared information.

3. Be Aware of the Permissions Granted to Applications

It is important to pay attention to the permissions granted by apps downloaded from the Google Play Store and App Store virtual stores. Be suspicious of invasive permissions, and check the data to which the app requires access to function, which should only be related to the functioning of the smartphone's camera and microphone.

Fake or corrupted apps can serve as phishing for dangerous malware, which can compromise your security and result in the disclosure of personal information shared in video calls. Installing total security software can protect you from dangerous malware.

4. Disable Pop-up Notifications When Sharing Screen

When sharing your computer or cell phone screen during video calls, it is important to disable pop-up notifications for emails, social networks, and messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, for example. The messages can deal with personal and private matters - therefore, it is necessary to disable them to avoid discomfort due to possible invasion of privacy.

5. Send the Call Invitation by Email

Do not share video call invitation links on social media - prefer to forward them privately using the email address of the meeting members. Sharing the invitation URL in public virtual environments such as Facebook or Twitter can attract strangers and cybercriminals to the video call, compromising information from the participants.

Another option is also to block the video call as soon as all participants are present, making it impossible for strangers to access the meeting.

6. Customize Participant Authorizations

It is also possible to customize which actions can be granted to members of a meeting in videoconferences. The user who opened the meeting can grant authorizations such as screen sharing and recording the call to other participants when necessary, but it is recommended to leave them disabled by default.

In addition, media sharing and file transfer can also be disabled, thus preventing files corrupted with viruses or malware from being shared in meetings.