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Security Considerations for Zoom Sessions
Zoom has proved to be a powerful platform for hosting virtual meetings and classes with high-quality video and audio, screen sharing capabilities, etc. However, given the open nature of the platform (participants can join meetings for free), it is important to remember the following:
- ANYONE can join an unprotected Zoom meeting if they have the Meeting ID.
- This is increasingly possible when the meeting information is advertised on posters, flyers, and/or social media.
- Bad actors may join the meeting and disrupt by sharing offensive images, chatting inappropriate or hateful speech.
It is important therefore to secure your Zoom meeting when it is scheduled.
Recommended Security Settings for Zoom Sessions
To reduce the chance of unwanted users of being able to join your Zoom session, Information Technology recommends using a passcode or waiting room when scheduling a Zoom meeting.
- Passcode: A unique access code assigned to your Zoom meeting. In order for the invited meeting participants to join, this code will need to be communicated as well as the Meeting ID to join
- Waiting room: When a participants join a meeting, it places them in a virtual waiting room and until the host admits the participants to the meeting.
Adding a Passcode or Enabling Waiting Room
When scheduling a meeting in Zoom with a passcode, or to enable the waiting room, check the appropriate box as shown below
![](https://it.semo.edu/TDPortal/Images/Viewer?fileName=dd7dcd4b-8c4a-4c7b-9f58-c5dbec59eb95.png)
If you have any further questions, contact the IT Help Desk at 573.651.4357 or helpdesk@semo.edu