Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to footer content
 

SUNY ESF
Virtual Meeting Security

“Zoom bombs” have a potential to occur with Zoom and other video/Web conferencing platforms, please consider the following resources and tips when working remotely. Specifically, the audio/visual projections associated with zoom bombing and other inappropriate behaviors are often bias-related where language and visuals can be highly offensive and/or sexual or pornographic in nature. Links shared in group and private chats have also been associated with efforts to get participants to give up credentials.
 

Precautionary measures

Before logging into a Web conference session, ensure that monitors/displays are positioned in such a way as to not be visible by those not attending the session (e.g. children).
Use a headset while attending sessions or make sure that volume is lowered if there are others in the proximity of the videoconference.
 

When hosting a Web conference

  • Always use a password to protect sessions.
  • Always use a waiting room feature and manually admit attendees.
  • Never distribute conference links widely via email, which can and will be forwarded, or social media, which cannot be controlled.
  • Assign a person to moderate sessions and make sure the moderator has sufficient rights within the session to remove attendees if abhorrent behavior is detected.
  • Disable or limit chat and whiteboards within the sessions.
  • Mute all participants video and microphones by default.
  • Consider recording the session, for evidence (if need be) and sharing (post-editing, if need be)

 
If you are “bombed”: 

If you are attending a Web conference session that is “Zoom bombed,” we encourage you to disconnect from the session, if your situation warrants, and contact Rebecca Hoda-Kearse, Title IX Coordinator and Affirmative Action Officer (rahodake@esf.edu) (315) 791-2387 (call or text) to report the occurrence.


To avoid these issues, CNS recommends that you:

  • Use a Web conferencing service other than Zoom. Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Blackboard Collaborate are all alternatives available to the ESF community at no cost.
  • Contact the CNS Help Desk X6861, or helpdesk @ esf.edu if you need assistance using these alternatives.
  • Update the Zoom software often, even if not prompted to do so. The vendor is working on solutions to these issues in their platform.