Zoombombing occurs when hackers hijack internet video conferences, like those offered by the fast-growing platform Zoom. These hackers often present inappropriate or offensive material or otherwise disrupt the conference.
It is not a joke and what is even more concerning is children are susceptible to this privacy hack as students are now using video conferencing to learn virtually in order to stop the spread of COVID-19—students like my very own son.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to increase privacy and prevent Zoombombing. Steps like:
- Create separate passwords for each virtual meeting;
- Establish a Zoom waiting room for meeting participants;
- Lockdown the meeting once everyone invited to attend has joined; and
- Do not publicly post meeting links on social media or any other public forum.
My Office has reached out to Zoom to learn more about its encryption efforts and other proactive steps the company is taking to better protect users.
These are just some of the steps we are taking to protect Floridians as we work together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. For a more comprehensive list visit MyFloridaLegal.com.
Stay safe, Florida.
In The News
Coronavirus Impact: Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office Offers Recommendations Against Zoombombing, CBS Miami
Attorney General Ashley Moody warns of ‘Zoombombing’ during COVID-19 crisis, WWSB Sarasota
‘Zoombombing’: Florida Attorney General Warns About Latest Online Threat, NBC Miami
How to protect your Zoom calls from hackers, WKMG Orlando
Florida Attorney General Urging Floridians To Report Price Gouging, Crack Down In Full Swing, WFSU Public Media
Attorney General Ashley Moody issues statement on price gouging during COVID-19 pandemic, WWSB Sarasota
Ashley Moody says nearly 60 subpoenas have been issued for alleged price gouging during coronavirus outbreak, Florida Politics
Attorney General Continues Coronavirus Price Gouging Crackdown, NorthEscambia.com
Florida Attorney General's price gouging hotline has been ringing nonstop for the past three weeks, according to the office., ABC Action News
Florida Attorney General pressures Suntree convenience store selling high-priced masks, Florida Today
Face masks pulled from Brevard gas station after complaints of price gouging, WESH Orlando
‘No hoarding’: Ashley Moody’s plea to Floridians, retailers, Florida Politics
How the Florida Attorney General is protecting seniors from COVID-19 scams, WBBH Fort Myers
Ashley Moody: Efforts to Crack Down on Coronavirus Price Gouging Resulted in More than $130k in Refunds, Florida Daily
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Encourages More Measures to Prevent Hoarding
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Consumer Protection Division is aggressively fighting price gouging, and to further deter the illegal practice, the Attorney General is asking more Florida retailers to limit per customer sales of essential commodities and other scarce products. Attorney General Moody today via a conference call spoke with members of the Florida Retail Federation to thank stores already taking steps to prevent hoarding and encourage even more participation in these crucial efforts.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “We are aggressively fighting price gouging and asking Florida retailers to help us in this battle. One way we prevent outrageous price increases is by preventing the purchase of excessive amounts of essential commodities, which can temporarily clear retail shelves and provide unscrupulous individuals with the opportunity to sell for astronomical prices the large quantities of high-demand products they may be allowed to purchase.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Works with Florida’s Senior Groups to Protect Older Floridians from COVID-19 Scams
Attorney General Ashley Moody and leading senior organizations are joining forces to protect older Floridians from COVID-19 related scams. Attorney General Moody, American Association of Retired Persons, Association of Mature American Citizens, American Seniors Association and the Florida Council on Aging today met virtually to discuss emerging scams designed to target older Floridians amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Seniors are uniquely vulnerable to COVID-19 and to scams designed to exploit the fear surrounding the pandemic to rip off Floridians. That is why we are working with the top senior groups in Florida to make sure older Floridians have the resources necessary to avoid falling prey to these fraudsters. I want to thank these groups for the work they are doing to stay on top of emerging scams and keep their members informed.” Read More