The video conferencing platform Zoom has added new security updates and features to its app so you need to update it as soon as possible if you want to be able to still use it.
The platform has seen a surge in users during the coronavirus pandemic — daily active user figures were up 378 per cent in March 2020 compared to the previous year, with overall user numbers growing from 10 million to 200 million. All these new users have brought security issues to the fore, such as Zoombombing, where people would gain access to someone’s video call and drop in unexpectedly.
To counteract these issues, the company has been working to introduce security features that will put a stop to these problems, in its Zoom 5.0 update.
Zoom 5.0 added new encryption to calls on the platform, GCM encryption, to increase the protection of meeting data and resistance against tampering.
In addition, other Zoom features have given stronger security powers to hosts such as the ability to lock meeting rooms, enable waiting rooms so they can verify each participant, remove and report rogue participants and disable in-meeting chat. Additional features include call history will be off by default and displaying non-video participants via their avatar.
However, in order to retain access to the platform and all its wonderful uses, you need to ensure you are using the latest version of the platform. The company said everyone needs to be using Zoom 5.0 otherwise it will no longer function.
Apple users can check the App Store to see if they are updated to the most recent version. The latest Zoom app is version 4.3.33237.0924 — if you don’t have this version on your device then there should be the option to update.
Android users can go to the Google Play Store — the latest Android version of Zoom is version 4.3.33237.0925, whilst for Windows users, it’s 4.3.13234.0925.
You have until Saturday, May 30 to update so make sure to do it now in order to be able to hold work meetings, Zoom quizzes, try virtual escape rooms, attend dance classes or whatever fun you’re doing on the app to get you through the lockdown.
