As we have been sheltering in place, we have been seeking connections via video conferencing technology such as Zoom, Skype and FaceTime to keep in touch with friends and family, to take classes or attend spiritual gatherings. With this new way of communicating there have also been many concerns raised by security consultants and spread widely by news outlets. I’d like to take a brief look at the pros and cons of the big three options: Zoom, FaceTime and Skype.
FaceTime
Pros: Free. From Apple. Pre-installed on most iOS and Mac OS devices. Requires you log into FaceTime with your Apple ID. Very Secure. Good video quality. Allows for group videos.
Cons: requires all participants to have an Apple device setup to use FaceTime and their information needs to be in your Contacts already. Does not work with PC users.
Skype
Pros: Free. From Microsoft. Very secure when configured properly. Good video quality. Allows for group videos.
Cons: Requires all participants to have a Skype or Microsoft account. Requires a download and installation of the software and account creation. Not a very user friendly interface.
Zoom
Pros: Extremely easy to use and configure. Does not require user joining meetings to have an account. Free for person to person video calls. IF you want more than two participants you are restricted to 40 minutes at a time OR you have to pay for a business account ($14.99.)
Cons: There have been security concerns (see below)
So, which do you choose? Hands down, if you are going to chat with other Apple users, Facetime wins for integration with your Apple products and security. My second choice is Zoom - yes, Zoom. While there have been many reports recently of issues with Zoom improperly sharing data and security overall, Zoom is incredible easy to use and requires virtually no configuration for individual users who are not hosting meetings. Skype is a distant third because it’s a pain to setup the account and use.
How To Use Zoom Safely:
1. About 10 minutes before you are to join a meeting, open Zoom on your computer (it’s in the applications folder). Once Zoom is open, click on the words zoom.us at the upper left hand corner of your screen and click on Check for Updates. Install any that are offered. Do this every time you use Zoom. Zoom is releasing regular security updates several times a week.
2. To join the meeting, click the link in your invitation email and say yes, to allow downloads and run. You also need to give Zoom access to your camera/video and computer audio.
3. When you are finished with your Zoom call, return to the zoom.us menu at the upper left and choose Quit. This ensures that your camera cannot be accessed without your knowledge.
