The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has issued a warning about rising cyber threats targeting popular video conferencing platforms, including Zoom and Google Meet. The advisory comes as the use of online meeting applications continues to grow across businesses, educational institutions, and government organizations.
According to NCERT, the surge in virtual meetings has been accompanied by an increase in cyber incidents such as unauthorized access, account takeovers, and data breaches. Platforms used without proper security configurations are particularly vulnerable, leaving users exposed to potential hacking, data theft, and service disruptions.
One of the most notable risks highlighted in the advisory is “Zoom bombing,” where attackers gain entry to private meetings without permission. Such breaches can compromise confidential discussions, sensitive organizational data, and even connected systems. Cybercriminals often exploit weak passwords, unverified meeting links, and inadequate security settings to infiltrate sessions.
NCERT emphasized the importance of enabling all available security measures on video conferencing platforms. Users are advised to utilize strong, unique passwords, enable waiting rooms or meeting lobbies, restrict screen-sharing permissions, and regularly update software to reduce vulnerabilities. Proper account management, including two-factor authentication, can also help prevent unauthorized access.
The advisory serves as a reminder that as remote work and virtual collaboration continue to expand, cybersecurity vigilance is critical. Organizations and individuals must remain proactive in securing their online meetings to safeguard sensitive information, protect participants’ privacy, and maintain operational continuity.
Cybersecurity experts recommend regular training for employees and students to recognize phishing attempts, suspicious links, and other tactics commonly used by attackers to gain access to virtual meetings. Awareness and adherence to best practices are key to minimizing risk in increasingly digital environments.
With the rapid adoption of digital collaboration tools, NCERT’s warning underscores the need for continuous security monitoring and strong preventive measures to mitigate potential cyber threats. Users of Zoom, Google Meet, and similar platforms should implement recommended safeguards immediately to ensure safer online interactions.
