Zoom Bombing

Tips and Training >> Definitions >> Zoom Bombing

What is Zoom Bombing?

Zoom Bombing is a breach of security for a Zoom Video Conference session. It is unauthorized access that is obtained by a person or group using a meeting’s Zoom Meeting ID and other applicable login credentials such as a meeting password. These uninvited parties may then interrupt a meeting or eavesdrop in on confidential information. The term “Zoom Bombing” is a derivation of “Photo Bombing” which implies unintended and unappreciated disruption to photos or videos by third parties. Zoom Bombing is just exactly this but it can be accompanied by unwanted screen sharing, video and audio broadcast into a meeting by unknown parties.

Zoom Bombing is not an intrinsic security problem with Zoom, instead it is a user created security vulnerability caused by widespread distribution of meeting access credentials.

The significance of Zoom Bombing, however, is that it can impact large groups such as are present classroom instruction. In typical classroom instruction, a meeting ID and possibly a meeting password are distributed broadly to expected meeting attendees. Should an attendee then share the login credentials with a third party, the possibility for Zoom Bombing by that party is created.

How to Avoid Zoom Bombing in One Easy Step

Zoom Communications, creator of the Zoom Video Conferencing App, has developed a security layer that is intended to thwart Zoom Bombing. This feature, which is an optional addition to a meeting, creates a virtual “Waiting Room” into which all parties are transferred on entry into the meeting until expressly allowed to enter the live session. Entry to the live session can be granted only by the meeting’s HOST. Effectively, this renders the potential Zoom Bomber’s anonymous entry into a meeting impossible as each party that ultimately enters a meeting cannot any longer enter the meeting with just a Meeting ID and Password. Participants must be physically and expressly allowed to enter the meeting by the HOST of the meeting.

How Can I Get Help Running My Zoom Meeting?

TKO VideoConferencing can assist your organization in running its next Zoom Meeting whether it’s a key meeting for executives only or a Town Hall Meeting with thousands of attendees. We can assist your IT team or we can relieve them of the challenges of running a meeting all together. With TKO managing your meeting, you will also have available remote slide management with our “TKO Remote Clicker” and special services such as polling management, surveys, word clouds and even gamification which is the addition of energy inspiring games that create widespread engagement during electronic/online meetings.