Tele & videoconferencing

The risks

• Because conference calls and videoconferencing sessions are generally pre-arranged, anybody with the dialup and access details – perhaps by seeing the invitation email or using spyware – could gain access to the call.
• When conference calls are made over a VoIP connection, there is a slight risk of eavesdropping because VoIP works over public internet connections. However, the risk is lower than that of using a conventional landline, which can be easily snooped on.

Safe tele and videoconferencing

• Use strong passwords, and do not disclose them to anyone else.
• Do not reveal dial-in details to anybody but the authorised participants in the call.
• If your service includes a public profile, do not reveal any sensitive, private or confidential information in it.
• Consider a managed service. Different providers offer different levels of security, which may include:
  • The ability to request a head count which will review the number of participants on the call. This overcomes the issue of an unauthorised participant joining the call early.
  • Locking calls once all participants have arrived to stop anyone else joining the call even if they have the right PIN.
  • Dual PINs allowing the chairperson tighter control over a call.
  • Time-limited PINs which will expire after a call ends.
• Be wary about whom you accept contact requests from. Set up your service to allow connections only from people you know.
• Check regularly with your provider for updates or patches.
• Ensure you have effective and updated internet security software and firewall running.
• Ensure you are using secure Wi-Fi. Do not rely on public Wi-Fi / hotspots being secure, but use 3G / 4G instead, or a VPN.
• After the call, always replace the handset or, in the case of video services, click ‘End call’ to ensure that what you say or do subsequently remains confidential.