How can you ensure secure video conferencing?

Ensuring secure video conferencing is essential to protect sensitive information, maintain privacy, and prevent unauthorised access during meetings. There are several key practices and technologies that can be employed to safeguard video communications:

  • End-to-End Encryption – Use video conferencing platforms that support end-to-end encryption (E2EE). This ensures that only the meeting participants can decrypt and view the content, preventing interception by third parties.

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – MFA adds an additional layer of security beyond just a password, helping to ensure that only authorised users can access the meeting.

  • Password Protection – Password protected meetings and share the password only with authorised participants to prevent unauthorised guests joining the meeting.

  • Waiting Rooms – For larger meetings and in scenarios such as webinars, participants can be held in a waiting room until the host approves them for entry, ensuring that only invited attendees can participate.

  • Meeting Permissions and Controls – Ensure that hosts have full control over the meeting. Features like screen sharing, chat, and microphone control should be managed by the host, and only authorised participants should be allowed to present or share content.

  • Regular Software Updates – Ensure that all video conferencing software and hardware are regularly updated to protect against known vulnerabilities and security flaws. This includes both the platform itself and any associated devices or integrations.

  • Secure Network and Firewall Configuration – Use secure, encrypted networks and ensure your firewall settings are properly configured to prevent any external attacks or unauthorised access to your conferencing systems.

  • Data Compliance – Choose platforms that comply with industry standards and regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or other relevant data protection laws, to ensure your video conferencing meets required compliance standards.

It’s important to note that the level of security required will differ between industries. For example, emergency services may require video conferencing platforms that are hosted within Protected Area Secure Facilities (PASF) data centres to meet stringent data handling requirements. Cinos holds internationally recognised security accreditations including ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus, meaning we are well placed to help customers ensure the security and integrity of their video conferencing systems and data.