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  1. #1
    Mike Phillips
    Guest

    Software Experts? - ZOOM is Malware?

    Software Experts? - ZOOM is Malware?


    So yesterday I downloaded ZOOM software so Yancy and I can do some form of online webinar. This morning, I scan a few of my favorite news sites and start finding articles that there are software problems with the ZOOM software.

    I figure some of our members are probably pretty savvy in this area, so would anyone want to take it upon themselves to read some of the info I've shared below and give us their opinion?


    Here's the first article....

    A quick look at the confidentiality of ZOOM meetings


    The above is a long but in-depth look at the ZOOM software, if you scroll down to bullet item #5 here's a summary,



    5. Conclusion: Not Suited for Secrets

    Zoom’s product is user-friendly and has rapidly grown its user base during the COVID-19 pandemic by “just working.” Zoom’s fast growing user base, combined with marketing language around encryption and security, have attracted many sensitive conversations. This sudden popularity likely puts the product in the crosshairs of government intelligence agencies and cyber criminals.



    Questionable Crypto & Encryption Keys Sent to Beijing

    Unfortunately for those hoping for privacy, the implementation of call security in Zoom may not match its exceptional usability. We determined that the Zoom app uses non-industry-standard cryptographic techniques with identifiable weaknesses. In addition, during multiple test calls in North America, we observed keys for encrypting and decrypting meetings transmitted to servers in Beijing, China.

    An app with easily-identifiable limitations in cryptography, security issues, and offshore servers located in China which handle meeting keys presents a clear target to reasonably well-resourced nation state attackers, including the People’s Republic of China.

    Our report comes amidst a number of other recent research findings and lawsuits identifying other potential security and privacy concerns with the Zoom app. In addition, advocacy groups have also pointed out that Zoom lacks a transparency report, a critical step towards addressing concerns arising when companies have access to sensitive user data. Zoom has just stated (April 2nd, 2020) that it will release such a report within 90 days.

    As a result of these troubling security issues, we discourage the use of Zoom at this time for use cases that require strong privacy and confidentiality, including:

    1. Governments worried about espionage
    2. Businesses concerned about cybercrime and industrial espionage
    3. Healthcare providers handling sensitive patient information
    4. Activists, lawyers, and journalists working on sensitive topics



    For those using Zoom to keep in touch with friends, hold social events, or organize courses or lectures that they might otherwise hold in a public or semi-public venue, our findings should not necessarily be concerning.

    For those who have no choice but to use Zoom, including in contexts where secrets may be shared, we speculate that the browser plugin may have some marginally better security properties, as data transmission occurs over TLS.



    Worst yet - according to



    So while Yancy and I don't fall into any of the above 4 categories, I don't like the idea of having software on my [brand new] laptop sending Autogeek's info to anywhere.


    Also - can't find it at this moment, but I read somewhere that it cannot be completely uninstalled.



  2. #2

  3. #3
    Super Member Sizzle Chest's Avatar
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    Re: Software Experts? - ZOOM is Malware

    Thanks for this info Mike. Will be doing some research on this as well. Crazy/scary times with all this 'new fangled technology' nowadays.
    Scott Harle
    Autodermatology
    #autodermatology


  4. #4
    Mike Phillips
    Guest

    Re: Software Experts? - ZOOM is Malware

    And this article by Forbes on alternatives....


    Zoom Alternatives: 5 Options For People Who Care About Security And Privacy



    I'm all about doing what I can on the education side of our industry but I'm wishing I would have held off on downloading the ZOOM software by one day. At least until the smoke clears.




  5. #5
    Mike Phillips
    Guest

    Re: Software Experts? - ZOOM is Malware

    Just did a Google search using these search terms,





    If you scroll down a ways, past the normal "how to uninstall software" type articles, then you start to find this type of thing,


    Why You Should Uninstall Zoom App Right Now?

    How to delete Zoom - Tom's Guide


    And after reading the guide on TomsGuide.com, I'm following his how-to steps and removing it.



  6. #6
    Super Member axel06's Avatar
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    Re: Software Experts? - ZOOM is Malware

    thank you for sharing, hope to see everyone soon

  7. #7
    Mike Phillips
    Guest

    Re: Software Experts? - ZOOM is Malware

    Just to update,


    After researching, I found out that the software is not downloaded until you Join Meeting.

    All I did so far was to create an account on the Zoom website like I was asked. So nothing on my laptop.

    I did Terminate Account like shared on TomsGuide.com


    Everyone can do their own research and decide what's best for them, but until the security issues and the information sharing issues are cleared up and the software is proven safe, I'm not using it.



  8. #8
    Mike Phillips
    Guest

    Re: Software Experts? - ZOOM is Malware




    Google bans use of ZOOM on employee laptops



    Looks like Skynet doesn't "trust" that it might be being spied on.




  9. #9
    Super Member Bruno Soares's Avatar
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    Re: Software Experts? - ZOOM is Malware

    Tough to just say we won’t use it. The schools are teaching remotely via Zoom. The company I work for also uses that (in addition to Microsoft Teams) so it’s installed on personal and business computers
    Bruno Soares


  10. #10
    Super Member PaulMys's Avatar
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    Re: Software Experts? - ZOOM is Malware

    There was a story on the news here in NY recently that said they were terminating the online schooling using ZOOM because of "serious security issues".
    It is no coincidence that man's best friend cannot talk.

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