Skip to main content

Cookies on BBB.org

We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Cookie Preferences

Many websites use cookies or similar tools to store information on your browser or device. We use cookies on BBB websites to remember your preferences, improve website performance and enhance user experience, and to recommend content we believe will be most relevant to you. Most cookies collect anonymous information such as how users arrive at and use the website. Some cookies are necessary to allow the website to function properly, but you may choose to not allow other types of cookies below.

Necessary Cookies

What are necessary cookies?
These cookies are necessary for the site to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Necessary cookies must always be enabled.

Functional Cookies

What are functional cookies?
These cookies enable the site to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

Performance Cookies

What are performance cookies?
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

Marketing Cookies

What are marketing cookies?
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant content on other sites. They do not store personal information directly, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser or device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
      Country
          Country
          Latest News

          BBB Alert: Prevent 'Zoom-Bombing' In Your Next Videoconference

          By Better Business Bureau. April 1, 2020.

          Many businesses and organizations are utilizing a hybrid in person and telework arrangements. With the adoption of virtual workspaces, Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns video conference apps are still at risk of possible video hijackers infiltrate applications such as Zoom. BBB offers the following information and tips to prevent video hijacking. 

          How Zoom-Bombing Works:

          Video hijacking attempts occur when conferences are hosted on public channels shared over the internet via URLs, making them accessible to anyone. Hijackers can sometimes guess the correct URL or meeting ID for a public Zoom session, giving them access to the feed. 

          For users organizing public group meetings, BBB strongly encourages hosts to review their settings and confirm that only they can share their screen. This will prevent any outside disruption from the main video feed on a public session.

          Users also need to be careful of cybercriminals impersonating video conferencing sites like Zoom, with their goal of stealing your personal information.  Learn more of meeting settings and in-meeting actions you can use to prevent Zoom-bombing. 

          BBB offers the following tips to prevent video hijacking:

          Use a unique ID for large or public Zoom calls
          When creating a Zoom account, the app assigns users a Personal Meeting ID (PMI). When hosting a large Zoom call where members of the public are attending, it's better to use a one-time code rather than a user's PMI. If not, hijackers can use the PMI to try and jump in on Zoom calls at any time.

          Require a meeting password
          When hosting a private meeting, check that the password protections are on by default. Keep the protections on to prevent uninvited users from joining. It's only an option when a unique ID is generated, not when a PMI is used.

          Don't share the unique ID publicly
          Do not share a link to a teleconference or classroom on an unrestricted publicly available social media post. Provide the link directly to specific meeting attendees. 

          Allow only hosts to share their screen
          Don't let anyone hijack the screen during a Zoom call. To prevent it, make sure your settings indicate that the only people allowed to share their screens are hosts. Navigate to Personal > Settings > In Meeting (Basic) and look for Screen sharing. Check the option that only allows the host to share.

          Create a waiting room
          When participants log into the call, they see a Waiting Room screen that you can customize. They aren't let into the call until you, the host, lets them in. Hosts allow people in all at once or one at a time, This lets you screen the attendees and if you see names you don't recognize in the Waiting Room, you don't have to let them in at all. 

          Create an invite-only meeting
          If you have Pro, Business, Education, or Enterprise Zoom accounts, enable "Authentication Profiles" settings, so anyone who tries to join your meeting without proper authorization will see a notification on their screen telling them that the video conference is for authorized attendees only.

          Lock a meeting once it starts
          If you start a meeting and all attendees have joined, hosts can lock the meeting from new participants. During the session, navigate to the bottom of the screen and click Manage Participants. The Participants panel will open. At the bottom, choose More > Lock Meeting.

          Remove attendees or put them on hold
          Hosts can kick unruly attendees out of a call or put them on hold. To remove an attendee, hover over the name of the person you want to remove on the Participants panel on the right. When options appear, choose Remove. By default, an ousted guest cannot rejoin.To put the guest on hold: During the call, find the video thumbnail of the person you want to put on hold. Click on their video image and select Start Attendee On Hold. Hosts can reverse this action by clicking Take Off Hold in the Participants panel.

          Disable the participant's camera
          Hosts can turn off any participant's camera by opening the Participants panel and clicking on the video camera icon next to the person's name.

          Keep Disable File Transfer settings active
          Keep default settings on to Disable File Transfer to limit participants from sharing files, including images and animated GIFs within the chat. Open Settings in the Zoom web app (it's not in the desktop app). On the left side, go to Personal > Settings. Then click In Meeting (Basic). Scroll down until you see File Transfer and slide the toggle to disable.

           

           

          For more information on teleworking, visit these BBB articles: 

          16 Tips On How To Be Productive While Working From Home

          BBB Delivers: Sample Telework Policies

          10 Tips to Stay Cybersecure While Working Remotely

          BBB.org/smallbusiness

          BBB.org/coronavirus