FBI Alerts Apply Best Practices When Using Virtual Meeting Software
PHOENIX, ARIZONA, USA – The FBI alerted that 195 reports of incidents of child sexual abuse through the “Zoom” software have been filed in the United States.
The use of this software gained strength with the crisis stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic because students do not receive classes in schools, but rather virtually at home.
According to statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), many of the school organizations conduct their virtual meetings through the software which is open to the public.
Additionally, links to many virtual events are shared online, resulting in a lack of verification from approved participants.
Predators might use these opportunities to join the virtual meetings and share child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or take pictures of attendees to use them later.
The FBI stressed that spreading CSAM is a violent crime. Furthermore, anyone who inadvertently sees child sexual abuse material depicted during a virtual event is also potentially a victim.
“The FBI is committed to arresting anyone who produces or distributes child sexual abuse material and is seeking public help to identify the person or persons responsible for these heinous crimes.” FBI Press Release
The authority asks that you report any incidents, and if you are a meeting administrator, do not destroy or delete any of the computer records, instead, contact the FBI for assistance.
As best practice when using Zoom or any other online meeting software remember to:
- Require a password to connect to the meeting.
- Activate the lobby so you can admin each participant into the meeting.
- Manage screen sharing options
- Do not make meetings public
To view the full FBI press release, click here.
