Video-conferencing platform Zoom has released a fresh update this week in an effort to tackle the incessant security issues surrounding the service.
Zoom says the current released version of its app Zoom 5.0 contains new privacy controls, encryption and updates which are a part of a 90 day plan to improve privacy and security on the platform.
The Chief Executive officer of Zoom Eric Yuan said he is proud to reach this step in their 90 day plan but it was only just the beginning. According to him, they will earn their customers trust and deliver to them happiness with their unwavering focus on providing them with the most secure platform.
Zoom has been struggling to meet up its security needs as the platform has shot up its user base to new heights in recent months.
Since the advent of the coronavirus lockdown, Zoom’s daily users have skyrocketed from around 10 million to 200million as people use the platform for work meetings, support groups, funerals and happy hours.
Zoom users have had struggles with constant “Zoom Bombing”, a new system of attack in which bad people invade video meetings and shout foolish words in order to disrupt them.
Zoom 5.0 will give the hosts the opportunity to report a user to Zoom with a newly added security button and the app now puts users defaultly in a waiting room which requires the new participants to a meeting to be approved by the meeting admin before they can enter the meeting. A password will now be required before one can enter meetings.
Zoom also included a new encryption standard known as AES-256bit GCM encryption, which is touted as the gold standard of encryption and is utilized by US government to secure its data.
This change will help to prevent meeting sessions from being interrupted by hackers, said Thomas Hatch the chief technology officer and co-founder of an Utah based software firm called Saltstack.
In addition to Zoom Bombing issues, the application has also been criticized for major bugs discovered in recent months including one that would give a hacker a chance to fully control one’s computer. In order to make a speech about these problems, Zoom has increased its bug bounty program in which they have provided massive incentives to many security professionals for them to let their customers to be aware of the said bugs before active hackers see them to use for their own way which will benefits them.
Zoom is hardly the only video conferencing platform, but is one of the most popular. This is largely due to how easy it is to operate said Hank Schless who is a senior manager at a tech security firm Lookout.
The wide usage of video conferencing solutions such as Zoom displays how people are OK with putting their convenience ahead of security. Zoom still records more numbers using the application in spite of the security concerns.
