End-to-end encryption is the act of applying encryption to information sent from a device so that only the recipient's device can decrypt it.
In the case of Zoom, it has added an end-to-end verification process called "risk-based authentication," which encrypts video conferences to combat abuse and ensure user privacy. This feature is currently available to both free and premium users.
Indeed, it is ideal to make end-to-end encrypted calls on Zoom , and therefore, in this post, we will show you the steps to follow to achieve encrypted calls on Android, iOS, Windows and MacOS.
Benefits of encrypted Zoom calls
While it's true that end-to-end encryption in Zoom video calls provides additional protection for users , both senders and receivers can achieve the highest possible level of security when transferring any type of data, ensuring that no third party can read the exchanged messages.
Indeed, when using end-to-end encrypted calls on Zoom , no one else will be able to monitor the network to see the content of your message, not even the communications company itself. This is because Zoom does not have the option to proactively monitor meeting content and does not share information with law enforcement.
Therefore, the benefits of Zoom's encrypted calls can be summarized as follows:
- It is a utility that It guarantees complete security and privacy of your communications., since they are impossible to decipher by third parties and intermediaries.
- Even if someone manages to hack the system or steal the data, end-to-end encryption prevents me from reading them because it adds an additional layer of encryption to the information.
- Allows obtain the greatest possible confidentialitySince no one will be able to decipher your messages, you can freely discuss any topic you wish.
- It is ideal for increase protection against certain types of cyberattacks, in particular, phishing scams and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Requirements to get Zoom's end-to-end encrypted calls
To enable Zoom's end-to-end encrypted calls , it is important to meet certain requirements or demands that the company itself has determined.
Below, we present the main ones:
- Users Windows, MacOS and Linux They need to install the program Zoom Desktop Client with version 4.0 or later.
- To activate the function in the Zoom mobile appOn both Android and iPhone and iPad, it is essential to have the version 4.0 or later of said application.
- Those who use Zoom rooms For conference rooms on Windows, MacOS, and Linux, you must use version 2.2 or later this.
- Meeting hosts with free accounts can only enable end-to-end encryption after verify your phone number through a code obtained via SMS.
It is important to clarify that activating the end-to-end encrypted video conferencing feature in Zoom from a version other than 5.5.0 means disabling some software features that are not compatible with this encryption.
These functions include the following:
- Live broadcast.
- Cloud recording.
- Rooms for small groups.
- Access before the host.
- Private chats between two users.
- Live Transcription
- Reactions at the meeting.
- Hold votes.
- Zoom Apps.
Therefore, if you want to use these features and also take advantage of Zoom's end-to-end encryption, you will need to install version 5.5.0 on your mobile device, computer, or Zoom Rooms for them to be compatible.
Learn how to verify your identity to make encrypted calls on Zoom
While paid Zoom accounts can directly join the end-to-end meeting encryption feature, free accounts will need to verify their identity in order to make or join encrypted calls within the application.
Indeed, it is necessary to know each of the steps to follow to perform this verification in a quick, practical and easy way through Android, iOS, Windows and MacOS:
On Android and iOS
To activate and use end-to-end encrypted meetings for your own use on Zoom via your Android smartphone or tablet, follow these steps:
- First of all, you have to Log in to your user account through the Zoom Web Portal. This means you'll need to open Zoom from the web browser on your mobile phone, tablet, iPhone, or iPad and log in.
- Once you log in, Tap on the “Schedule a meeting” button and at the top (where it says Meetings), press the down arrow there select "Configuration".
- After this, from the Meeting section, go to the Security section and through it, Find and activate the option that says “Allow the use of end-to-end encryption” moving the switch from left to right.
- Next, if you haven't verified your identity, you must add your mobile phone number with its area code to receive a code via SMS and enter it in the corresponding field. If you have already done so, simply subtract choose the default encryption typeeither by checking the box of “Improved encryption” or of “End-to-end encryption”.
- In conclusion, Press the “Save” button at the bottom of that section and that's it.
On Windows and macOS
If you prefer to manage your Zoom account from the comfort of your PC or Mac, you will need to complete the following procedure to encrypt your video calls end-to-end in the software:
- Using your preferred web browser, search for Zoom and access their website to login to your account (with username and password, via Google or from Facebook).
- After logging in, go to the left side and in the options bar, Click on “Settings”.
- Next, choose the section "Meeting" at the top and through the left sidebar, Click on “Security”.
- Having done the above, navigate through all the available options in the Security section until you find the one that says “Allow the use of end-to-end encryption” and enable it by moving the switch from left to right.
- Next, a pop-up window will appear from which you must verify your identityTo do this, choose the area code and enter your mobile phone number in the indicated field. Then, complete the captcha and Click on the “Send verification code” button.
- Once you receive the verification code on your mobile device via SMS, you need to Enter it in the field that says “Enter 6-digit code” and press the button "Check".
- Finally, the platform lets you choose the default encryption type: Enhanced Encryption or End-to-End Encryption. So, all that remains is Check the box you prefer and click on “Save”.
It is generally recommended to select "Enhanced Encryption" as the default encryption type, due to the limitations of end-to-end encryption. Enabling end-to-end encryption is advisable when certain meetings require an additional layer of protection.
Tips to improve the privacy of your Zoom account
Beyond enabling end-to-end encrypted video calls on Zoom , it's also valuable to consider other best practices to optimize the security and privacy of your Zoom account , in order to protect the information you exchange through the platform.
Therefore, if you wish to further increase the confidentiality of your Zoom meetings and maintain an extra layer of protection, it is advisable to consider the following:
Use a password to protect each conference
One of the best measures to ensure that unwanted people do not access your Zoom meetings is to Protect each conference with a passwordWhich, of course, is a different password than the one you use to log into your account.
By default, these passwords are known as Meeting IDs and are predetermined by the platform itself. Therefore, it's important to share them only and directly with the users you wish to invite . It's not advisable to share them on social media or other public channels.
It uses a two-factor authentication system
It's also advisable to take advantage of Zoom's support for two-factor authentication (2FA), a highly secure method for logging into a user account . This is because, in addition to entering your email address and password, another piece of information is used to access your account.
Thanks to this extra layer of security, Zoom users will prevent anyone from joining their meeting using their personal meeting ID. This prevents unwanted interruptions from intermediaries or third parties.
Activate the Room waiting by Zoom
To have much more control over your user account in terms of security, it is optimal to use the "Waiting Room" function , which is a tool from which the host can give permission to the people who have joined the meeting.
This makes it much easier to detect and remove intruders before starting the video conference. This feature allows you to approve each participant individually and easily remove any unwanted individuals.
Choose logged using your work email on Zoom
Another effective way to increase the security of your Zoom account is to register using your work email address . This will help prevent your company from sharing your contact information with third parties, assuming it's a domain belonging to your work group.
This way, Zoom will only be able to share your work contact information with your actual colleagues, and you will be able to keep your personal email completely private , as well as your personal contact information.
