Zoom security risk/kids party

[fairyfingers]

Dds have been invited to a zoom party this am.

DH doesn't want them to access on the family laptop due to security risks. He is an ex IT bid and very security conscious. We've used it a lot at work but are now only allowed to use it internally so they can't use my work laptop (not least cos I'll be working).

What is the real risk of using it on my Android tablet? From what I've read it's not brilliant but as a non techy for a one off thing where we know the host it doesn't seem horrific? Dds will be heartbroken if they can't btw so I'm going to let them unless someone tells me it's the stupidest thing ever.

it's fine as long as the person organising knows how to 'lock' the room once everyones in

If you are really worried, you could install it for the party and then uninstall and wipe the device.

Your husband is not alone in worrying about its security risks. Google has banned its employees from using it. As have other companies. Take a look at this.

www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/apr/02/zoom-technology-security-coronavirus-video-conferencing

Thanks both. Friends dad is an IT person so confident in them.

I may well uninstall after they've used it as well thank you.

I don’t know as I’m not techy - but we do use it for work, so I have on my laptop. We always now have to use a password. I think that’s supposed to be safer?

To my very uneducated eyes that looks like more risks if you are using Apple? My tablet is android so is that a bit better?

I'm not super happy about it myself but my dds are understandably desperate to see their mates

You don't need to download anything for use on a laptop just click a link and it will take you to a web browser. You only need to download if using on tablets and smartphones.

The host should have a waiting room and allow people in, as I understand this is more secure!

We've been to a couple of zoom parties and they've been good fun

All private/ one2one messages are downloaded to the group at the end.