JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO
If you are with Xfinity, I recommend downloading the Free Norton Security Tools for Computers and Mobile devices. Then select ExpressVPN for its flexibility. If you need to save money, choose NordVPN.
If you do not have access to Xfinity’s free tools, then start with the McAffee all in one solution.
The Rest of the Story
A lot is being said about the security of ZOOM right now. Some of it is 100% true. There is also a difference between security and privacy. To be fair, many of the vulnerabilities are not ZOOM specific. Much of what is being talked about falls to the responsibility of the presenter to control.
If you are concerned about ZOOM giving your info to Facebook, that has stopped. Then again realize if you ever use the Login with Facebook option anywhere, you are basically consenting to let FB track you.
So, how do you, as a general user, sift through understanding what you need to do? Fortunately, you do not have to, because I have a mother-in-law and two young girls. I’veI’ve done the work for you, and I am continuing to share on this and many other home tech challenges.
I am going to focus on protecting yourself as a participant. In a separate article, I will cover host concerns and protecting your participants. If you are a host, go to Zoom’s official Blog on Setting Up Zoom Rooms Safely.
PARENTS WITH CHILDREN USING ZOOM
Reports are rampant regarding adult content, graphic language, and bullying taking place from strangers. These two tips can help keep everyone safer.
If your children are on ZOOM calls for school, please reach out to their teachers and make these two simple requests.
1) Create waiting Rooms
It is a single click and ensures that no one enters the room that shouldn’t. As a host under settings, turn waiting room to on. This also ensures attendees cannot interact with one another before the host. This way, nothing happens without the teacher’s knowledge.
2) Use Unique passwords.
Most of my daughter’s teachers are using some variation of 123456. It doesn’t take a Lex Luthor level mastermind to hack into a room. Please ask them to create more unique passwords. Yes, it is an extra step. Yes, it’s harder to remember. Yes, kid will forget it. But, shouldn’t we care enough to protect the kids from being exposed.
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WebCam Protection
Sometimes a hammer is the best solution. Everyone should own a webcam slider. Or, at the very least, keep a packet of sticky notes handy! When your webcam is not in use, keep it covered! It’sIt’s that simple. You can get sliders for your computer and your phone. If you have an external webcam, use it as a COVID-19 mask stand when you are not out running essential errands.
Packs of webcam sliders can be purchased for less than $10 on Amazon. A sticky note or folded piece of paper works just as well on a computer, but can be difficult, and often fall off on phones and tablets.
When you are using your webcam, you will want to initiate VPN. The easiest way is with personal software. You simply download VPN onto your computer, tablet, or phone and start it up whenever you are accessing the Internet.
You do not need to understand the technical aspect of VPN to know that you need it. By way of a quick introduction, imaging the Wizard of OZ. The man behind the curtain is you. But anyone trying to find you can only see the giant talking head. Your activity, uploads, downloads, and camera can not be traced back to your device or physical location.
Your home network can be hacked through any device on your Home Network. Learn all about full home VPN coverage for maximum-piece-of-mind. Subscribe to RoadSchooled We will send you the Whole House Solution Report when it is published.
The best stand alone option, is ExpressVPN. They excel in allowing traffic for streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Primes, etc. without having to turn off the VPN to access programs.
ExpressVPN supports 5 simultaneous devices in use at a time.
The most affordable and reliable solution is NordVPN. I three-year plan often costs just slightly more than a one year plan from ExpressVPN. However, you can run into streaming problems. A single license can be installed on an unlimited number of devices.
NordVPN supports 6 simultaneous devices in use at a time.
If you do not have malware and virus protection (this includes Mac Users), then this may be your best option. McAffee also consists of a bank-level encrypted VPN.
The number of devices covered depends on the plan you select with McAffee.
Bonus Tip for Xfinity/Comcast Customers
A little known secret, if you are on Xfinity/Comcast, then you most likely have Free access to virus and Malware protection. You can download Norton Utilities from within your Xfinity account.
OK, REMIND ME AGAIN WHAT I SHOULD DO?
If you are with Xfinity, I recommend downloading the Free Norton Security Tools for Computers and Mobile devices. Then select ExpressVPN for its flexibility. If you need to save money, choose NordVPN.
If you do not have access to Xfinity’s free tools, then start with the McAffee’s all in one solution.