PracticaLtiPSforzoomingintothecourtroom
Trial & litigation Section Chair : ChadMoore , Morgan & Morgan , PA
Due to local and state
restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic , web conferencing platform Zoom has become the only way for trial attorneys to continue face-to-face interactions before Florida ’ s judiciary . The surge in Zoom ’ s use has caused some to scrutinize it for its privacy concerns . Specifically , “ Zoom-bombing ” or the hacking of virtual meetings has become an issue for some Zoom users .
Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge Christopher Nash experienced Zoom ’ s susceptibility firsthand when one of his virtual bond hearings was flooded with pornographic and lewd images . Judge Nash temporarily halted the hearing until the issue could be resolved . “ Zoom-Bombings ” are not limited to lewd content appearing on the screen . These interruptions can also include someone listening into the video conference or attending the meeting without permission . Sometimes hackers are even able to take control of the screen-share and effectively direct the meeting . To shut down these hackers , individuals often have to end the Zoom meeting .
oneofthebestfeatures ofzoomisthe “ Waiting room ” feature . thisfeature allowsyoutoprevent guestsfromjoiningthe meetinguntilyouareready toreceivethem .
Chief Executive Officer and Zoom Founder Eric Yuan has acknowledged that Zoom , at times , has fallen short of meeting consumer ’ s expectations for privacy in its platform . To address these concerns , Yuan hired Facebook ’ s Chief Security Officer Alex Stamos to serve as an executive security consultant for Zoom . In addition to creating a security team , Yuan provides regular blog posts for Zoom users . 1 The following practical guide provides tips for keeping your Zoom meeting private in this new digital era . These tips may also help you understand the different features that the judiciary employ in their Zoom hearings and meetings .
Zoom Tips : Manage Screen Sharing
The first rule to ensure Zoom privacy is to make sure that you do not give up control of your screen . To prevent participants from screen-sharing , click the arrow next to screen share and then click “ Advance Sharing Options .” Under “ Who can share ?” choose “ Only Host ” and close the window . Most judges in Florida limit screen sharing to add increased security . For this reason , if you plan to use screen-sharing in your hearing , you will have the request the judge to click the “ Who can share ?” and permit your access during the hearing .
Manage Participants
The second rule of Zoom privacy is to only allow signed-in users to join . When you lock a meeting , no new participants can join , even if they have the meeting ID and password . In the meeting , click “ Participants ” at the bottom of your Zoom window . In the “ Participants ” pop-up , click the button that says “ Lock Meeting .”
Use the Waiting Room Feature
One of the best features of Zoom is the “ Waiting Room ” feature . This feature allows you to prevent guests from joining the meeting until you are ready to receive them . Many judges utilize the “ Waiting Room ” feature to place attorneys on hold until they want the hearing to begin .
Use Passwords Password protection is important
continuedonpage65
join the technology section today at hillsbar . com .
6 4 J A N - F E B 2 0 2 1 | H C B A L A W Y E R