With the world now meeting online, how can you be sure that your personal data stays secure? Following privacy concerns especially around the use of Zoom software, the Heric Training Institute gives a quick look at how the top virtual meeting platforms stack up on data privacy.
Because Skype now belongs to Microsoft, it also shares a privacy policy with all other consumer products by Microsoft. Practices on data collection are not explicit in the privacy statement, and information on what is collected is very opaque.
Although encryption exists between Skype users which only happen between your device and the company’s servers, after that the data is decrypted, and privacy is lost. To improve Microsoft products and personalize them for Skype users, personal data and activities are accessed to create a very detailed profile of who the user is, tailoring that for targeted advertising purposes.
To keep users safe, or at least safer, Google Meet has some privacy controls that do not allow users to simply click a link to join a meeting, instead requiring that users first log into their Google accounts. For its part,GoTo Meeting has an extra layer of security that allows meetings to be locked, so that participants have to wait to be let in. The app now has Risk Based Authentication, to automatically detect suspicious behavior. Users’ data is also managed securely using SOC2 Certified Data Centres, to guarantee peace of mind while using the platform.
Last but not least, Cisco Webex Meetings’ encryption mechanisms include: end-to-end 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard, End-to-end (E2E), Public Key Infrastructure, and 128-bit Secure Socket Layer Versions (SSLv3). Hosts can also lock and unlock the focus on participants and protect meetings with a password. Users are not bothered with opting out of sharing their data or changing meeting settings to enjoy protection – this is offered by default. The platform also relies on single sign-on (SSO) and Secure Development Lifecycle (SDL) approach to offer built-in security.
The Bottom Line: Stick with GoTo Meeting or Cisco Webex for greater peace of mind.
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