Tips To Avoid 'Zoom Bombing' Provided Amid Alexandria Incidents

ALEXANDRIA, VA — With cases of "Zoom bombing" reported in Alexandria, the police department shared tips to help to avoid the virtual meeting disturbances.

According to the police department, "Zoom bombing" involves bad actors or pranksters disturbing a virtual meeting with malicious intent. Zoom and other virtual platforms have become popular for work meetings and other occasions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There have been cases of "Zoom bombing" in Alexandria. On Jan. 15, a virtual story time program held by Alexandria Library was interrupted by two registered individuals, according to an Alexandria Library statement provided to Patch. The individuals displayed inappropriate images and were quickly removed from the meeting by library staff, according to the statement. Alexandria Library said it is reviewing systems and formats for virtual programs to boost security while maintaining public access to programs during the pandemic.

Another incident happened during a virtual Super Bowl event hosted by Council member John T. Chapman's campaign, according to ALX Now. The publication reported that people with Nazi images used inappropriate language and racial slurs during the meeting. Chapman told ALX there would be stricter measures on speakers in the future.

Here are the tips Alexandria Police recommend to prevent "Zoom bombing" during virtual meetings:

1. Don't use a personal meeting ID

Each Zoom user has a personal meeting ID, but police recommend using a random meeting ID when creating a meeting. If your personal meeting is leaked on the web, others are free to harrass you.

2. Always use a meeting password

Use of a password could be harder to apply for large-scale meetings with public attendance. Police say a password should be used for classrooms, trainings, lectures, sermons, or meetings. Keep the password safe and send it to all invitees with the meeting invitation. If possible, send the password in a separate email.

3. Use the Zoom waiting room feature

The waiting room feature places participants in a queue, and the host must approve entry. If you don't recognize someone in a waiting room, don't let them into the meeting, police say.

4. Mute audio and disable video for meeting attendees

Disabling video for everyone but the most will prevent participants from displaying obscene content. If anyone other than the host wants to speak, use the chat feature to ask for speaking time. Mute a person once speaking is finished.

5. Turn off screen sharing for everyone but host

Police say Zoom bombers would need to take over a meeting to be effective. Preventing anyone from sharing their screen aside from the host can stop this disruption.

6. Get comfortable with remote and media sharing software and devices

Police recommend spending time with someone to becoming familiar with the camera and audio settings in advance.

7. Try to verify

Try to verify the identities of those attending the meeting before it starts.