Tag: cybersecurity

  • Tips for Using Zoom Safely

    Tips for Using Zoom Safely

    Dogs on ZoomMost of us are finding ourselves working from home either altogether or at least part of the time, and with that change also comes conducting work meetings from home. While we all probably had at least an awareness of video client tools such as Microsoft Teams and Skype, a new contender came through and became the working from home meeting tool du jour – I’m talking of course about Zoom.

    Zoom has added 2.22 million users so far in 2020 (the previous year they gained 1.99 million for the entire year). Unfortunately, with such unprecedent growth also comes growing pains in the form of unauthorized users jumping onto calls and even cyber security issues. So how can you use Zoom safely, and what led to it becoming such a popular option in the first place?

    Unlike many of its competitors Zoom allows you to see multiple participants at once, rather than one at a time while they’re talking. It also has the unique functionality of allowing users to join from a browser which lets participants avoid downloading the client if they don’t wish to or are unable to.

    You can also host an unlimited number of meetings with up to 100 participants with only the free client (up to 500 participants and concurrent meetings being paid features). Screensharing is also possible and a nice feature.

    With that said there have been some draw backs, call quality may be somewhat unpredictable compared to more seasoned products in this arena (although I think it would suffice to say they’ve all had some troubles in these heretofore unheard-of times). Users have also reported issues with scheduling and adding meetings to their calendars. The biggest issues though, have been in the avenue of security.

    Starting with so called “Zoom Bombers” – which have been one of the most publicized issues – it is described as having uninvited users join your private video call and start spamming unsavory materials either in the chat or via voice and/or video.

    Many of these intruders gained access via businesses posting the video chat link to their public social media accounts. The best method of protection against this by far is adding a password to your Zoom chats and not posting them publicly.

    It’s also come to light that there are some critical cyber security issues with Zoom, especially regarding user data.  500,000 Zoom user accounts and passwords were recently found for sale on the dark web due to a data breach by a cyber security firm.

    This serves as a good reminder to keep your passwords varied, change them periodically and use a password manager. You can check the whimsically named site https://haveibeenpwned.com/ to see if you’ve been a victim to this breach or any others.

    Suffice to say despite its faults Zoom is probably here to stay for the foreseeable future, especially as the country’s workforce continues to work from home. Taking some necessary steps will keep your work meetings intruder free and safe.

    This article was powered by Valley TechLogic, an IT provider in Atwater, CA. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic.

  • 2020 is Here – Here’s your Technology and Cybersecurity Forecast

    2020 is Here – Here’s your Technology and Cybersecurity Forecast

    It’s 2020 and the start of a new decade. Technology has changed a lot since the beginning of the last decade. Inexpensive computer options like Raspberry Pi and Chromebook became available, the first iPad was released.

    Computing also got a lot faster, the first 8 core processors were released, solid state drives became a lot more widespread, and graphic cards reached new heights for computer gamers shattering the previously achievable FPS (frames per second) and ushering in a new era of high-end gaming.

    The previous decade also brought new records on cybersecurity issues but unfortunately not in a positive light. Malware became more sophisticated and harder to track, ransomware became widespread (it’s estimated it cost the US $7.5 billion in 2019). So, what’s on the horizon for 2020 and beyond in the realms of technology and cybersecurity?

    As wearable technology advances increase, we will see even more of it aimed at integrating tech with the world around us. Augmented reality devices will probably become more accessible and affordable. Sensor technology will continue to increase which will have a positive effect on healthcare and our ability to detect health scares before they advance to something serious (see watches now aimed at keeping track of our blood pressure and heart rate).

    Needless to say it will be something to look out for as our society becomes more dependent on the IoT (Internet of Things), for good and for bad.

    What about the field of cybersecurity? While it’s probably true hackers won’t stop trying to gain access to our private information – especially as it pertains to our financials – even the most layman user of technology is becoming keen to protecting their privacy.

    Consumers will demand corporations be made accountable for leaks of private data and businesses not wanting to shoulder the financial burden of an attack (or the bad press) will utilize the tools available to thwart would be bad actors in their tracks.

    On that front we can help. At Valley Techlogic we are on a mission to have the most comprehensive and effective cybersecurity tools available to protect our clients. We also offer 24/7 help desk so no matter when you have a problem, we’re on it.

    If you’re in the Central Valley or surrounding area reach out today for a free security audit and begin this new decade tackling your business’s technology needs.

    This article was powered by Valley TechLogic, an IT provider in Atwater, CA. You can visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/valleytechlogic.