As promised, Zoom continues to release software updates to improve the security of its cloud video conferencing app after gaining massive popularity during the pandemic. The latest update has added more controls for admins over Personal Meeting IDs (PMIs) in their organisation and has added better default security settings for basic account holders.
Since Personal Meeting IDs do not change for a user, nearly anyone can join if the meeting is not properly secured. To circumvent this, Zoom has added the option to disable joining meetings via PMI’s altogether, which can be toggled via both at the account or group level. If a user tries to enter a meeting whose PMI is disabled, they will get the message “PMI is disabled”.
Zoom will still allow the option to create an instant meeting that will be private and secure using a randomly generated meeting ID. Zoom also recommends to not share a user’s PMI with people who they don’t connect with on a regular basis. To access this setting, go to Settings → Meetings → Personal Meeting Room in the user’s zoom account.
In the update, Zoom has also made changes to some security defaults for basic accounts. These include:
- Passwords will be required for all meetings, including new meetings, previously scheduled meetings, and those using PMI.
- Waiting Rooms for PMI will be turned on by default.
- Screen sharing privileges will be Host Only by default.
The Zoom client is available for download for various platforms and can be accessed here.