“Zoom-bombing” occurs when someone joins your virtual meeting who was not invited. It can happen because the meeting information was posted publically (on a web site or social media post), or was forwarded from an authorized attendee to someone else. Large, high-profile meetings are at risk of attracting unwanted attendees, and Zoom-bombing can be highly disruptive and embarassing.

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of Zoom-bombing, including limiting what participants are able to do once in the meeting (for example, do not allow non-speakers to share their screens or unmute themselves if possible).

One of the most effective methods is to require authentication, meaning all participants must be logged in with a Queen’s NetID to attend. Combined with not allowing participants to rename themselves, this not only limits attendees but prevents someone from hiding behind anonymity. You can add exceptions for guest speakers or other non-Queen’s attendees.