The recent changes related to the increase in the number of remote work and the use of video conferencing have changed the business world. But, as with many examples of digital transformations, there is a growing threat to cyber threats. Video calls that were initially an ordinary means of communication in business processes are now a possible point of vulnerability to cyber threats. To reduce the risks of security and confidentiality when it comes to your communications, it is important to know how you can prevent them. In this blog, we will explore some of the basic guidelines that needs to be followed in order to protect your video conferencing and hence your business from cyberattacks. Also learn why we are one of the leading cyber security companies in Dubai and how we can help tackle cyber risks to make sure your business is secure.

Understanding the Cyber Risks in Video Calls

To avoid such risks, it is critically important to understand the form of cyber risks within video calls. Hackers never relax and thus always look for loop holes they want to exploit to gain unauthorized access to information being relayed through video conferencing. Such risks include unauthorized access to meetings, data breaches, or eavesdropping. The lack of adequate security can result in leakage of business data, loss of money and business reputation.

Choose a Secure Video Conference Platform

The first way to address cyber risks that are associated with video calls is choosing the right video conferencing software. Not all platforms are equal and it is possible to identify certain weak links which could be easily targeted by cybercriminals. Some of the features you should consider before choosing a platform include end-to-end encryption, strong authentication protocols, and regular security updates. End-to-end encryption implies that only the individuals in the call can access the content of the call making it very difficult for an eavesdropper to tap into the conversation. Besides, strong authentication features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) add another layer of security to the platform since the user has to authenticate himself/herself in more than one way.

Implement Strong Access Controls

Even when a highly secure platform, one has to ensure appropriate protection to the video calls to ensure that only those who are allowed to do so, can access the call. This includes using unique meeting IDs and passwords for every session that can prevent unauthorized participants from joining. Do not use simple passwords such as numbers or easily identifiable names, instead; choose from a password manager to use complex passwords. Furthermore, take advantage of the platform’s waiting room feature to check members before they enter the meeting. It also helps the host to confirm who is attending the meeting and verify whether they are rightful attendees or intruders.

Educate Your Team about Cybersecurity Practices

Of all the risks that an organization can face in the cyberspace, human factor errors are one of the most common. Thus, it becomes imperative that employees should be sensitized on the possible risks on cyber security when it comes to video calls. To prevent the employees from falling victims to these attacks, they should be trained on what the current threats are, how to identify phishing, suspicious links and other common means of attack. Remind your team to be observant of something strange during the video calls and must immediately report to the management. Also advise them to update their software and devices frequently, as outdated software are likely to have vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit as its security will be weak.

Regularly Update and Patch software

This is one of the essential things that one has to maintain, so that the software used does not have any security weaknesses that the hackers can exploit. Video conferencing platforms, like any other software video conferencing system are subject to updates and patches that fixes certain issues. Regularly updating and patching your software ensures you always protected thus preventing risk of exploitation. This includes not only the video conferencing tool but also the operating system and other applications used by employees. Automated updates ensure that your software is always efficient without having to rely on users to manually update the process.

Monitor and Record Meetings

There are cases where meeting recording and monitoring turn out to be useful when it comes to securing your video calls. When you record meetings, you create a corresponding record that is created which can prove useful in case of any security threats. This is because it can identify any unauthorized access or malicious activities during the call. Additionally, the use of real-time meeting monitoring makes it easy for IT teams to note any threats and counteract them as they happen. But it is necessary to tell the participants that the meeting is being videotaped for legal reasons as well as to maintain transparency.

Secure the Physical Environment

Although most of the concerns regarding security relate to digital aspects, it is crucial not to accept the physical space, where video calls occur. Make sure that employees do their video calls in private areas that are away from prying ears and eyes. This is especially crucial when you are discussing sensitive or confidential information. Encourage the use of privacy screens so that nobody can have a look at the content on the screen and at the same let employees be mindful of their surroundings. Also, it is also important not to use the available public Wi-Fis when making video calls since these networks may be easily hacked.

Use Virtual Backgrounds & Blur Effects

Using virtual backgrounds and blur effects do not only serve as fun features – they provide an extra layer of security by hiding the physical environment behind the participants. This can prevent unintended exposure of sensitive information such as documents, whiteboards or the general setup of the workspace. Remind employees to start using it while doing video calls, particularly in the time of remote working from home or in cooperative working areas. Though, all these features are not infallible, but these features, decrease the probability of having observable information that a hacker or identity theorist could take advantage of.

Limit the Sharing of Sensitive Information

One of the best ways of preventing cyber risks in video calls is to avoid the dissemination of these details in such a meeting. To some extent, video calls can be useful in interaction, however, not the best way when it is necessary to discuss sensitive information. If possible, consider using a more secure methods of communicating such as encrypted e-mail or secure file sharing. Whenever, sharing any sensitive information is part of the video call, it is prudent that all those involved are informed about the security measures being undertaken or followed in this regard and the need to adhere to the best practices on information security.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

The Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an important security mechanism that decreases the likelihood of the intruder gaining access to the video calls. The multifactor authentication process forces a user to identify himself using two or more signs of recognition like a password and a temporary code that is sent to his/her phone. This makes it much harder for a cybercriminal to penetrate the defense even if they have a hold of the users’ password. It is important to know that most video conferencing platforms have MFA setting available and you can configure them in the settings whenever possible. Moreover, employees must use MFA for other accounts and services they use in their organization.

Regularly Review and Update Security Policies

This means that different security policies in your company must be updated frequently to meet the evolving nature of cyber threats. When you regularly review and update security policies on a quarterly basis, it ensures compliance with the current security threat. This includes policies like Information Sharing policy, video conferencing policy, policy on the use of secure platform and the policy on access control. This is why you need to involve your IT and cybersecurity staff when the policies are being formulated for consideration against the current industry benchmarks. Moreover, report it to the staff and educate them as a result of the changes in case there is a need.

Conduct Regular Security Audits

To prevent common susceptibilities that we have outlined above, security review should be conducted regularly. It goes without saying that these audits should be performed by competent cybersecurity experts who will evaluate the existing security and suggest changes. It is often possible to discover issues such as the use of outdated software, the absence of access control, or untrained employee. By tackling such issues proactively, you can avoid cyberattack on your video calls process and remain secure.

Why choose Sky Tech as your Digital Evolution Partner?

In today’s world, where threats are continually evolving, it is important to work with a reliable cybersecurity firm. Sky Tech Cyber are one of the leaders among cyber security companies in Dubai providing a wide range of services dedicated to protect your business against cyber threats. As your digital evolution partner, we ensure we provide the best and efficient services to our clients by incorporating new and improved technology in implementing the best cybersecurity services suitable for your company.

Be it video conferencing platforms or implementing robust access control, Sky Tech Cyber is committed to help you navigate the complexities of the digital landscape with confidence. Our proactive approach assures you that your business stays strong against cyber threats so that you can focus on growth and innovation without compromise on quality. Choose Sky Tech Cyber as your reliable service provider to protect your information technology assets and your company’s success in the current connected society.

Conclusion

Video calls have become a huge part of business communications, but also pose a great cyberthreat. By following the tips in this blog, it is possible to avoid these risks and ensure your video calls remain safe. In today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, it is important to stay vigilant and active in your cybersecurity efforts to protect your business and maintain the trust of your clients and partners. Call us at +971 50 7437958 to talk to our experts.