Worried about video call security since Boris Johnson revealed his Zoom ID in a Cabinet conference? Here are the safest video technologies, ranked
Boris Johnson, who is currently self-isolating after testing positive for Coronavirus, has raised virtual security concerns after he tweeted a picture of his Zoom cabinet meeting. But did not remove the Zoom ID number.
His post was a reminder for the general public to stay at home and protect the NHS, but followers immediately noticed the number in the top left hand corner of the screen, which caused speculation that they’d be able to dial into the next meeting. Boris had also left the user IDs of other cabinet ministers in view. Oh, Boris.
As we all spend an increasing amount of time online talking to our loved ones, the Prime Minister’s blunder is not the first to spark security speculation. According to recent figures, Zoom has gained over 2 million users so far in 2020 - more than they did during the entirety of 2019. But it turns out that under certain circumstances, multiple people in your meeting might be able to read your private messages.
One user tweeted: “FYI: if you're having a committee meeting via Zoom and you use the chat function to privately write to someone, your colleagues may not see it in real time, but it shows up when the chat is downloaded and put in the minutes folder…”
There have also been reports of “Zoom Bombing” where uninvited guests are able to join Zoom calls. Eek. Outside of Zoom, video chatting app Houseparty are now offering an £800,000 reward for proof of sabotage after users claimed the app was hacked. Anyone else left wondering if we’re safe anywhere?
Since we’re all eager to keep virtual contact up (in a bid to maintain good mental health, if nothing else) but with our privacy as a priority, we’ve done some digging. We’ve rounded up the best video technologies in order of their (reported) safety. There’s Skype (which has around 300 million active users per month around the globe for good reason) as well as Whatsapp and Messenger. Messenger has operated separately from the Facebook app for a couple of years now, so anyone can set themselves up without needing a Facebook account. You’ll be able to have a group video call in no time. Google Hangouts also allows you to video call in groups, and you’ll see that cloud-based Zoom can be used if you take certain precautions.
Scroll further and you’ll find the best tablets for video chatting. The new Facebook Portal, available from Currys, is a really simple tablet with a built-in Alexa. It acts as a window into your home, allowing you to make calls through Whatsapp and Messenger. Since it has been designed with video calling in mind, there aren’t too many other features. This makes it ideal for older relatives who may not be as tech savvy as you. And you could get it delivered directly to their door.
The iPad 10 is another great piece of video technology which will ensure you and your family feel more connected than ever. It accommodates FaceTime, as all Apple devices do, and has a great front-facing camera, fast internet connectivity and audio support. Or how about the Samsung Tab A? Available in black, gold and silver, it boasts a much more accessible price point than other tablets.
Luckily, we live in the 21st century, so keeping in touch sans actual touch is easier than it was circa 1918 (when the last enforced, large-scale isolation occurred). But don’t underestimate the power of talking. It might seem obvious, but despite security concerns, setting up daily meetings with colleagues and regular catch-ups with family and friends really is the best way to get you through the tricky period. I’ll be practising virtual dinner dates and cyber cocktail evenings in a bid to take the loneliness out of isolation. It’s the new way to be social. For now, at least.
1. Yubo
Social media platform, Yubo, has over 25 million worldwide users and has implemented an extensive range of safety features to ensure the safety of its teenage users, including Yoti age verification, private information pop-ups, real-time intervention on live streams and partnerships with local law enforcement. It's backed by the NSPCC as one of the social media apps that is doing the most to protect child safety.
2. Google Duo
Google Duo, Free, The App Store
Duo is an intuitive video calling app by Google. Millions of people use Duo worldwide to communicate with their family and friends. It has end-to-end encryption, the company provides a transparency report and the company's general stance on privacy is good. For that reason, it's deemed as pretty safe.
3. Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts, Free, Google Chrome
Similarly, hangouts is a great way to stay in touch. It's particularly good for instant messaging, but you can also share links with your friends so that they can join your video call. The quality isn't quite as good as other video calling apps, but in terms of security, it's good. Google Hangout is fully secure to use and it'd be very difficult for hackers to crack into Google's database.
4. Facetime
FaceTime is safe and secure because all calls are encrypted and are not recorded. Apple creates a unique user ID for each user to make sure that the calls are properly routed and connected. What's more, the app itself is secure. That said, ensuring you use a secure Internet connection will add to your security.
5. Skype
Skype is secure and safe, as long as you take the right precautions. It monitors users' activities to make sure they are who they say they are. It also encrypts communications so that unauthorized parties can't listen in on your calls. As with other apps, if someone suspicious tries to contact you, you should block them. On Skype, you can actually set it up so that it blocks all users not in your contacts list automatically.
6. Slack
Slack is a great place to have secure conversations, but as with other apps, don't use it like it's watertight. Don't share personal information, passwords or corporate info on the app.
7. Facebook Messenger
Messenger, Free, The App Store
The video chat function on Messenger is pretty good, and although concerns have been raised in the past about Facebook's security policies, there are some things you can do to make your video call extra secure. Facebook added the ‘Secret Conversations’ feature to secure messages/voice & video calls on the Messenger app. The end-to-end encryption used here is the same as the one used by WhatsApp. However, the encryption has to be manually activated.
8. Zoom
ZOOM Cloud Meetings, Free, The App Store
Zoom can be used safely, if you're careful. Be aware of invites from people you're not expecting or don't know. Be careful who you give your Zoom meeting information or ID to. Ask the meeting host to lock down meetings, both for invites and who can share content during the meetings. Also, try to avoid the private chatting facility if you can.
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