Open Access
CYBERSECURITY IN VIRTUAL GATHERINGS: RISKS AND REMEDIAL STRATEGIES FOR VIDEO CONFERENCING SOFTWARE
4
Centre for Cybersecurity Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa
4
Department of Computer Engineering, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
The increasing reliance on virtual gatherings, especially through video conferencing platforms, has introduced new cybersecurity vulnerabilities that threaten user privacy, data integrity, and organizational security. This study investigates the range of cybersecurity risks associated with popular video conferencing software, including unauthorized access, data breaches, phishing attacks, and software exploitation. Through an in-depth analysis of recent incidents and threat models, the research highlights critical system weaknesses and user behavior patterns contributing to security lapses. It also proposes a set of remedial strategies—ranging from end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication to user education and policy enforcement—to mitigate these risks. The study offers practical recommendations for developers, IT professionals, and end-users to ensure safer virtual communication environments.
Keywords
Cybersecurity,
virtual gatherings,
video conferencing,
data breaches
References
K. Setera, “FBI Warns of Teleconferencing and Online Classroom Hi-jacking During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Boston, 2020.
“Guidance for Securing Video Conferencing,” Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, 2021.
K. Okereafor, M. Philip, “Understanding Cybersecurity Challenges of Telecommuting and Video Conferencing Applications in the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Research Gate, vol. 8, pp. 13–23, Deploying Effective Cybersecurity Education Project, June 2020.
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E. S. Yuan, “A Message to Our Users,” Zoom Communications – Company News, April 1, 2020.
Sherr, “Microsoft’s Skype Sees Massive Increase in Usage as Coronavirus Spreads,” CNET, March 30, 2020.
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