Care for virtual conferences
Due to increasing digitalization and globalization, as well as the coronavirus pandemic, the number of users of virtual conferencing software is on the rise. However, the safe use of the tools requires the vigilance of the users.
Due to globally interconnected networks of many companies and the current increase of employees working from home, the user numbers of all conferencing services are continuously increasing. However, the security of conferences held in virtual space depends on the care and vigilance of the organizers and participants. If caution is disregarded, carelessness opens the gates for attackers and hackers.
Ensuring the security of conferences and transmitted data and improving protective measures should therefore be a top priority. This advice will help:
- Remind employees to update their respective software to stay one step ahead of attackers.
- Each session must be protected by a password; this way, no one can accidentally break into the conference.
- Watch for unknown attendees in meetings to immediately identify potential attackers.
- Discuss as little sensitive content as possible, as conferences could be recorded unnoticed via third-party programs.
Text: Dietmar Schnabel, Regional Director Central Europe at Check Point Software Technologies
Information sheet of the data protection officer
It goes without saying that information security and data protection should be kept in mind when choosing software. In a fact sheet, the Federal Data Protection Commissioner (FDPIC) recommends measures to use applications as securely as possible. For this purpose, the information sheet lists points to be considered when preparing and introducing a data protection-compliant audio and video conferencing solution.
The FDPIC fact sheet "Measures for secure use of audio and video conferencing solutions" is available for download.
On the website of the Data Protection Commissioner of the Canton of Zurich, a Products list for digital communication. (SF)
