Trolls exploit Zoom privacy settings as app gains popularity

[Judi Lynn]

‘Zoombombers’ broadcast explicit imagery or abuse other users in video hangouts

Alex Hern Technology editor

@alexhern
Fri 27 Mar 2020 08.23 EDT

Working and socialising from home has brought new risks to everyday life, as webcam meetings and chatroom cocktail hours contend with privacy invasions, phishing attacks and “zoombombings” – uninvited guests abusing the popular video service to broadcast shocking imagery to all.

Public Zoom hangouts have become a popular way to spend time for isolated remote workers, who are joining calls with names such as “WFH Happy Hour” to spend time in the company of others.

But the default settings of the service are configured in the expectation of trust between participants, meaning trolls can wreak havoc. Some zoombombers have used the screensharing feature to broadcast pornography and violent imagery. Others have revelled in the opportunity for exhibitionism, while security experts have said the file transfer feature that is switched on by default could be used to spread malware.

During one WFH Happy Hour last week, for instance, a troll joined the group and, using the screensharing feature, aired a pornographic clip to the call’s 40 participants. Because the call was public – so that anyone wanting some company in the evening could swing by, replicating a welcoming pub – the anonymous user simply rejoined and continued to broadcast, eventually forcing the hosts, Hunter Walk and Casey Newton, to close the event.

More:
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/mar/27/trolls-zoom-privacy-settings-covid-19-lockdown

[Kitchari]

1. We've been Zooming a lot

For work and for socializing--this is a good heads up to make the meetings password protected

[redstatebluegirl]

2. My husband is teaching his class via zoom. I think the University is aware they sent out a warning.