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The Lessons We Are Learning from Zoom
Article

The Lessons We Are Learning from Zoom

Brian X. Chen
The New York Times, 2020
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Editorial Rating

8

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More than 200 million people suddenly find themselves using Zoom’s videoconferencing software. Many enjoy how simple and convenient it makes connecting with co-workers, friends and family. But before adopting Zoom for your work-from-home and casual communication needs, make sure you understand the trade-offs between ease-of-use and protecting your privacy and security. Writing for The New York Times, Brian X. Chen lays out the concerns about Zoom and provides specific suggestions on how to reduce your risk.

Summary

Don’t let any technology’s ease of use and free access entice you into trading privacy and security for convenience.

Zoom, a simple-to-use videoconferencing software platform, has grown from around 10 million users at the beginning of 2020 to more than 200 million in a few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That vastly increased usage calls attention to Zoom’s security and privacy practices. CEO Eric Yuan recently apologized for software weaknesses that could allow malware to take over a user’s webcam, as well as a security failure which permitted “Zoombombing” – uninvited trolls disrupting video calls with nasty or racist material. The company says it has since addressed those issues and is making privacy and security concerns a top priority.

These problems are not unique to Zoom...

About the Author

Brian X. Chen is a technology reporter for The New York Times. He previously covered Apple and the wireless industry for Wired.

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