UMB has a resource to help keep Zoom meetings secure and professional.
Developed by the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Center for Information Technology Services' Security and Compliance, the Zoom Meeting Security Guide offers practical tips for faculty, staff, and students who host virtual meetings.
Zoom supports academic, research, and administrative work, so proper security settings matter. The guide stresses that security is a shared responsibility and helps protect participants, university systems, and sensitive information.
Available Now
The Zoom Meeting Security Guide is now available to the UMB community, with step-by-step instructions, recommended settings, and best practices for secure meetings.
Why It Matters
Unsecured meetings can lead to disruptions like unauthorized participants and inappropriate content, known as Zoom bombing. They can also expose sensitive data, including student information, research content, and protected health information. Securing meetings is a core responsibility for every Zoom host at UMB.
Key Takeaways
- Zoom bombing is preventable: Most cases happen when links are shared publicly or security settings are off.
- Layered security matters: Using controls like passcodes, waiting rooms, and authentication reduces risk.
- Control access early: Require passcodes, disable join before host, and use waiting rooms.
- Limit participant actions: Restrict screen sharing and assign co-hosts to help manage sessions.
- Be ready to respond: Know how to remove participants, suspend activity, and lock meetings if needed.
- Public events need extra safeguards: Avoid posting direct links and consider registration or webinar formats.
Tools for Safer Meetings
The guide highlights key Zoom controls, including waiting rooms, passcodes, screen sharing restrictions, authentication, and meeting locks. Used together, these tools help block unauthorized access.
Before Your Next Meeting
UMB faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to review the guide and apply its settings before their next Zoom session. A few minutes of preparation can help prevent disruptions and support a safe, productive meeting.
If you use Zoom, we strongly encourage you to read the Zoom Meeting Security docx guide. Also available is the UMB Zoom Security QuickRef docx.