Hackers are taking over video screens on teleconferencing app Zoom during the coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Boston warned Monday.
The attacks, known as “Zoom-bombing,” have been reported at universities, schools, churches and political conferences, according to media reports. In Buffalo, N.Y., on Tuesday, a YMCA said its live family storytime was hacked.
"Unfortunately, unknown participants used inappropriate language and other vulgar content in the platform," the organization said on its Facebook page.
In another instance, a high school teacher conducting an online class in Boston was interrupted by an individual yelling profanity. The person also shouted the teacher’s home address in the middle of instruction.
The FBI issued tips on how to keep hackers out of meetings, including:
- Making meetings and classrooms private
- Keeping the link off of public social media posts
- Manage screensharing options, change screensharing to “host only.”
- Ensure users are using the updated version of remote access/meeting applications
- Ensure your organization’s telework policy or guide addresses requirements for physical and information security
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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