Artificial intelligence has entered the mainstream and helped us achieve new heights in efficiency through technology. This makes the advantages of AI seem practically limitless, giving our imaginations plenty of runway to reimagine what’s possible. 

While it’s fun to dream up the next great idea, implementing a new AI solution requires a strong commitment to safety and securing the data that drives it. We’re kicking off a new series on the Zoom blog, where we’ll discuss how and why you should implement generative AI safely and what Zoom is doing to create a safe and secure AI environment for our customers.

What is generative AI and how does it work?

 

AI can serve many different purposes, and generative AI gives you tools to generate new content including images, words, sounds, videos, and data through multiple inputs and outputs to AI models. Sometimes referred to as GenAI, generative AI goes beyond what’s humanly possible and uses various AI and machine learning algorithms to deliver instant results when prompted. In return, people can accelerate their work and save valuable time with generative AI tools for tasks such as drafting meeting summaries, sourcing images, or overcoming writer’s block with copywriting assistance. 

 

Generative AI solutions can be invaluable to the end user, freeing up time to focus on more meaningful work. But before you choose which AI tools to implement in your workflows, it’s important to consider a few things.

 

1. Determine and outline the problems you want to solve. Are you trying to improve customer service? Simplify repetitive tasks? Assess new trends? Translate and localize content quickly?
2. Develop a timeline. How quickly are you able to explore, evaluate, and implement your AI options? What teams in your organizations need to sign off? What’s the cost of moving too slowly?
3. Decide what matters to you. Different AI tools come with different benefits, drawbacks, and questions to ask the vendors you’re evaluating. What features are included in their services and how do they align with your goals?

In addition to these questions, it’s important to research how a vendor handles AI safety and security, and their privacy measures for implementing and using generative AI. We also recommend organizations and their end-users explore how data is collected and used to power the AI tools they want to implement.

 

 

What is AI safety versus AI security?

 

To begin with, it’s important to know how AI safety compares to AI security. AI safety and security are fundamental yet distinct aspects of the deployment and protection of AI systems, but specifically:

 

• AI security is focused on safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data used in AI models and systems.
• AI safety involves broader considerations related to robustness and reliability, ethical implications, long-term societal, economic, and environmental impacts, and impacts on human rights and values.

 

 

AI security at Zoom

  

To overcome some of the security challenges that surface with AI integrations (namely the need to safeguard AI models, datasets, and training environments), there are a number of emerging guidelines, standards, and frameworks from respected institutions such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and jointly: the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Our approach to AI security aligns with these industry standards and leading practices and is designed to preserve the trust and confidence of our users by focusing on mitigating emerging threats. 

 

Our commitment to AI security is also integrated throughout the entire Zoom Secure Development Lifecycle (ZSDLC), encompassing secure supply chain management, model training, secure design, secure development, secure operation, and employee training. We’re incorporating AI considerations into our GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) policies and risk framework, and also including security testing and research conducted by our Security Assurance team.

 

 

How Zoom approaches AI safety

 

Our approach to AI safety starts with the models and data we use to build our services. For Zoom-hosted models, we validate and manage our training data, and when selecting third-party vendors, we evaluate their safety procedures to ensure they align with our mission. Our evaluations include testing the models against standard safety metrics to validate common issues that can occur through model training. 

 

Account owners and admins have controls to manage the availability of AI features for their accounts, including user and group level controls that provide options for deployment. These options include, when appropriate, allowing for human review of outputs before being shared more broadly. Additionally, when using in-meeting features within Zoom Workplace (our open collaboration platform with AI Companion), the sparkle icon notifies you that AI is enabled and in use to help provide transparency for customers and participants. 

 

Here are three different ways we approach AI security and safety at Zoom:

 

1. Protection of Zoom's AI products and services that utilize generative AI – such as Zoom AI Companion and Zoom Contact Center Expert Assist – and the underlying models that support them.
2. Leveraging AI throughout our security program and practices to stay ahead of evolving threats.
3. Securing Zoom's internal use of AI.

 

Managing safety and security alongside a federated AI approach

 

 

 At Zoom, we take a federated approach to AI, which means we apply the best large-language models for a specific task, including third-party AI models that customers are already familiar with. Customers can choose which features they use and whether they want to use Zoom-hosted models only, which is available for select features. This gives administrators more control over what’s available within their organization. 

 

In line with our commitment to responsible AI, Zoom does not use any customer audio, video, chat, screen sharing, attachments, or other communications like customer content (such as poll results, whiteboard, and reactions) to train Zoom’s or third-party artificial intelligence models. For more information about how Zoom AI Companion handles customer data,  visit our support page.

 

 

AI Companion, safety, security, and the future

 

While this initial discussion of AI safety and security just begins to scratch the surface, in the coming months, we’ll share more details about how we’re maximizing our efforts during the global shift to AI. We believe that AI is an incredible way to improve the way we work and that this is just the beginning. As we continue to release new features for AI Companion and Zoom Workplace, rest assured, AI safety and security are at the forefront of our development process.  

 

If you want to learn more about Zoom’s approach to privacy and security, join us for our upcoming webinar, titled Zoom’s Approach to AI Privacy and Security, on September 26, 2024.  

I have an application that's moving into production soon, which is integrated with Zoom and Salesforce.

Once the app is in production,  I'll need a Zoom sandbox environment to make ongoing improvements without risking downtime of my production application.

How do I get a Zoom sandbox environment?

I've submitted 3 tickets to various support channels, all of which were summarily closed.

I'm completely befuddled that this isn't obvious.

Literally every other major system I've ever used offered some way to test their applications before shipping releases.

In today’s digital world, virtual meetings have become a fundamental part of business operations, education, and even personal communication. With Zoom leading the way as the best and preferred platform for communication, enabling seamless collaboration across the globe, ensuring meeting security isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. But are we truly leveraging Zoom’s security features to their full potential?

Zoom offers several built-in security features to help users protect their meetings. The key is knowing how to configure and use these tools effectively. In this article, we’ll introduce the essential steps to ensure your Zoom meetings remain safe and secure.

1. Setting Up Secure Zoom Meetings

Enable Passcodes and Waiting Rooms

• Set a meeting passcode to prevent unauthorized access.
• Use the Waiting Room feature to manually approve attendees before they join.
• Avoid sharing meeting links publicly—send them only to trusted participants.

Use Unique Meeting IDs 

• Generate a new random meeting ID for each session instead of using your Personal Meeting ID (PMI) to reduce the risk of unwanted guests.
• For recurring internal meetings, set up a protected meeting link with controlled access.

Control Participant Permissions

• Limit screen sharing to the host or designated participants.
• Disable file transfer and chat for external participants to prevent malicious links.
• Turn off 'Join Before Host' to prevent anyone from entering before you do.

2. Enhancing Account Security

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection to your Zoom account, preventing unauthorized logins even if your password is compromised.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Ensure your Zoom account is protected with a strong password and avoid reusing credentials from other accounts.

Regularly Update Zoom Software

Zoom frequently releases security patches to fix vulnerabilities. Keeping your app up to date ensures you benefit from the latest security improvements.

3. Monitoring and Managing Meeting Security

Lock Meetings After They Start

Once all expected participants have joined, lock the meeting to prevent additional attendees from joining unexpectedly.

Remove Disruptive Participants

If someone is causing disruptions, remove them immediately using Zoom’s Remove Participant feature. You can also disable participant rejoining for extra security.

Monitor Meeting Activity

Keep an eye on the participant list and enable Zoom’s security notifications to be alerted about potential risks.

Ensuring Zoom meeting security is a shared responsibility between hosts and participants. By implementing these essential security measures—from enabling passcodes and Waiting Rooms to monitoring participant activity—you can create a safe and secure virtual meeting environment.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying proactive with security settings will help protect your meetings from disruptions and data breaches. Here’s a good guide to take steps and action on securing your meetings and communicate with confidence! Happy Zooming!

While confirming a report of a disruptive user I was blocked via the CAPTCHA. I ask AI bot why and it suggested there was a limitation on my account due to abuse.

How can I or anyone resolve this limitation? Find out what & appeal.

I could not find what forum to post in

In today's hybrid work environment, businesses and educators alike face challenges in fostering collaboration and engagement. The Zoom Whiteboard could bridge the gap between remote and in-office teams, enhancing productivity and creativity in ways they hadn't imagined.

The Challenge:Companies struggled with brainstorming sessions in their hybrid setup. Traditional methods—email threads, shared documents, and even screen sharing—proved inefficient for real-time ideation and team engagement. The leadership team sought a solution that allowed seamless, interactive collaboration across all departments.

The Solution: Zoom Whiteboard for its user-friendly interface, real-time collaboration features, and integration with their existing Zoom meetings. Let us quickly discover its potential and its application to multiple functions.

How to Maximized Utilization

Real-Time Brainstorming:

During virtual meetings, team members used Zoom Whiteboard to jot down ideas, create mind maps, and categorize tasks.

The ability to use sticky notes and draw connections helped structure discussions efficiently.

Agile Project Management:

Developers and project managers used the Whiteboard to create sprint planning boards, track progress, and visualize workflows.

Tasks were assigned using shapes and labels, ensuring everyone had clear visibility on project stages.

Interactive Training Sessions:

The HR and learning teams used Zoom Whiteboard for onboarding new employees, making sessions more engaging with diagrams, flowcharts, and interactive exercises.

Trainers could annotate and get instant feedback, making learning more effective.

Cross-Team Collaboration:

Instead of relying on static documents, marketing, sales, and product teams used Whiteboard to collaborate on campaign ideas, customer journey maps, and UI/UX wireframes.

Teams could continue working asynchronously, adding notes even after meetings had ended.

Documenting and Sharing Ideas:

With the ability to save and share Whiteboards, teams could revisit past brainstorming sessions and build upon previous ideas without losing momentum.

Integrations with other tools ensured smooth workflow transitions.

AI Companion for Zoom Whiteboard:

With the help of the AI companion, users can now generate ideas on a digital whiteboard and organize ideas into categories, helping teams get to work faster.

Ready to boost your productivity and stay ahead? Register today and elevate your expertise!

Here's what's in store:

📅 March 6: Stay Ahead with What's New at Zoom? 

Get a first look at the latest features, security enhancements, and collaboration tools. Optimize your Zoom experience and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

📅 March 12: Transform Your Workplace with Zoom Workplace Open Office

Discover how to create a seamless, productive environment using Zoom's integrated tools. Get insider tips and maximize your investment. 

Product Sessions: Meetings, Phone, Communication (Team Chat/Mail & Calendar/Scheduler), Productivity (Clips/Whiteboard/Surveys/Notes/Docs), and Spaces (Rooms/Digital Signage/Workspace Reservation/Visitor Management).

📅 March 19: Unlock AI-Powered Productivity with Zoom AI Companion Open Office 

Experience firsthand how Zoom's AI tools are revolutionizing collaboration. Learn to drive smarter workflows and enhance your productivity.

Product Sessions: AI Companion 2.0 & Team Chat, AI Companion in Meetings, AI Companion in Phone and AI Companion in Whiteboard/Docs/Email.

📅 March 26: Streamline Your Business with Business Services Open Office

Deep dive into Zoom's business solutions and learn how to streamline workflows, boost efficiency, and improve customer engagement.

Product Sessions: Contact Center/Virtual Agent, Events/Webinar/Sessions, Revenue Accelerator, Workforce Management/Quality Management

 

Has anyone tried to integrate the courses your learners have completed in the Zoom Learning Platform -- learning.zoom.us -- into your own internal LMS?  I would love to be able to use APIs to grab the completion data for any Zoom courses my users have completed and put them into their transcripts in our learning platform. I have done this with other content providers, but not yet with a service provider who just so happens to also host courses in their own LMS.

I have had problems with Zoom Audio ever since I changed to a  Lenovo PC 3 months ago.

I test my audio settings beforehand and the microphone works perfectly ok for recording and playback. When others join the meeting we can all talk together.

We then have a bell ringing group where we all play 2 bells using a separate program. This works ok until I say "BOB" which the others can't hear even though I am saying it very loudly, as my wife will testify.

I have tried three sets of headphones with mic and even the computer mic and the same problem persists. 

I have tried adjusting various audio settings but to no avail.

Any thoughts please ?