Zoom Security Protocols to Prevent Virtual Antisemitism

ChiTribe is a technologically focused organization and we have already addressed the issue with our security. We want to make sure all Jewish organizations understand the important aspects about Zoom and how to ensure your community is secure virtually.

Zoombombing and Antisemitism

“Zoombombing,” a reference to the popular video conferencing platform Zoom in which virtual meetings are disrupted by graphic or threatening messages or actions, often including those that contain hate speech or pornographic content, have quickly garnered attention across the country.
ADL

HOW TO SECURE YOUR JEWISH ZOOM CALLS

There are technological solutions to preventing Antisemitism when hosting Zoom meetings. This Zoom Safety Checklist is directly taken from the ADL

When scheduling or setting up a meeting, set safe meeting default settings in your organization’s Zoom account. Go directly to Zoom.us and log in to access all of these features, and optimize your Zoom calls in advance.

TACHLAS: TURN OFF ALL PARTICIPANT CONTROLS

HOW TO MAKE YOUR SETTINGS SAFE AGAINST ANTISEMITISM

Sign into Zoom.us.
Click on the Settings link
Turn off: Autosaving chats, file transfer, screen sharing, and remote control.
Only enable the Host (or co-hosts) to Share screen

The Backend: Preventing Virtual Antisemitism

Adjusted Settings (Basic)

Disable Screensharing

This is Zoom Bomber 101. They will take control of the screen, so disable it for all participants to be safe. In advance, always disable screen sharing, annotations, chat, and file sharing.

Disable Chats and File Transfers

Adjusted Settings (Advanced Options)

Breakdown to Prevent Virtual Antisemitism from the ADL

Before Meeting:

Disable autosaving chats
Disable file transfer
Disable screen sharing for non-hosts
Disable remote control
Disable annotations
Use per-meeting ID, not personal ID
Disable “Join Before Host”
Enable “Waiting Room”

During Meeting:

Assign at least two co-hosts
Mute all participants
Lock the meeting, if all attendees are present

If you are Zoombombed:

You may have to end your call if it is beyond control. End call quickly rather than allow disruption to continue (ChiTribe)
Remove problematic users and disable their ability to rejoin when asked
Lock the meeting to prevent additional Zoombombing

Recent ChiTribe Experience with Zoom Bombing

The ChiTribe team responded to an antisemitic incident on our Virtual Gamenight event on Monday March 30th. This is part of a series of “Zoombombing” attacks on other Jewish communities, but also public schools and more. After addressing the problem directly, we have changed our process for events moving forward. Click here for more>>