Google Chrome

Google Chrome is currently the most popular browser for Windows as it offers good performance, excellent compatibility with web sites, and a huge amount of extensions that can be used to extend the functionality of the browser.

If you are using a different browser and wish to install Google Chrome or if you are using Google Chrome and want to know how to uninstall it, you can follow the steps below.

How to install Chrome in Windows

To install the Google Chrome browser in Windows, please follow these steps:

  1. To download Google Chrome, go to https://www.google.com/chrome/ page and click on 'Download Chrome'.
  2. You will now be shown the Google Chrome Terms of Service. At this page, uncheck the "Help make Google Chrome better by automatically sending usage statistics and crash reports to Google" and click on the "Accept and install" button to download the Google Chrome installer.
    Download Google Chrome Installer
    Download Google Chrome Installer
  3. The ChromeSetup.exe file will now be downloaded. When finished, click on it as indicated by the red arrow in the image below to start the installation program.
    Launch Chrome Installer
    Launch Chrome Installer
  4. When you click on the ChromeSetup.exe file, Windows will display a UAC prompt asking if you want to "allow this app to make changes to your device?". Click on the Yes button to continue.
    UAC Prompt
    UAC Prompt
  5. Google Chrome will now begin to install on your computer.
    Installing Google Chrome
    Installing Google Chrome
  6. When finished, Google Chrome will automatically open and an icon for Google Chrome will be on your desktop that you can use to launch the program.
    Chrome Icon
    Chrome Icon

Now that Google Chrome is installed in Windows, you can either start it from the icon on the desktop or search for Chrome in the Start menu and launch it from there.

How to uninstall Chrome in Windows

To uninstall the Google Chrome browser from Windows, please follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Start button and type uninstall. When the Add or Remove programs option appears, click on it.
    Open Apps & Features settings screen
    Open Apps & Features settings screen
  2. The Apps & Features settings screen will now be displayed. Under Apps & features, search for chrome as shown in the image below.
    Search for Chrome
    Search for Chrome
  3. When Google Chrome is shown like below, click on the Uninstall button.
    Uninstall Google Chrome
    Uninstall Google Chrome
  4. When you click Uninstall, Windows will prompt you again to make sure you want to uninstall Chrome. At this prompt, click on the Uninstall button.
    Confirm you wish to uninstall Google Chrome
    Confirm you wish to uninstall Google Chrome
  5. Windows will now show you a UAC prompt asking if you wish to "allow this app to make changes to your device?". At this prompt click on the Yes button to continue.
  6. Believe it or not, Google Chrome will now ask if you are sure you wish to uninstall Google Chrome.
    At this prompt, you can click on the Uninstall button, but I would not check the "Also delete your browsing data" option as you may want your bookmarks and settings to remain intact if you ever decide to reinstall the browser again.

    Google Chrome uninstall prompt
    Google Chrome uninstall prompt
  7. When done uninstalling, your default browser will open to a survey asking why you uninstalled the browser. You can simply close this screen.
  8. You can now close the Apps & Features settings screen.

Google Chrome will now be uninstalled from Windows.

Original Article

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Skype is a popular messaging app widely utilized on Windows 11/10 PCs. However, Skype connection issues prevent some users from utilizing that app. For example, some users see a connection error that says, “Sorry, we couldn’t connect to Skype.” The app opens ok but can’t establish a Skype connection even when there isn’t a general internet connectivity issue.

Consequently, users can’t make calls or chat with the Skype software for Windows. Does a similar Skype connection error arise when you try to utilize the app? This is how you can fix Skype connection errors on a Windows 11/10 PC.

1. Check the Skype Server Status

First, don’t rule out the possibility of a general Skype server issue. The Skype server could be down for various reasons. Sometimes, this can be due to maintenance.

To check, open this Skype server status page. If that page shows there’s a Skype server issue, then that could be the cause of your connection error. In which case, all you can do is wait until that page shows the Skype server status is ok.

2. Utilize the Windows Store App Troubleshooter

If you utilize the Skype MS Store app, the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter could be useful for troubleshooting its Skype connection issues. Windows Store Apps is a troubleshooting tool that can fix UWP app issues. Follow the instructions in this guide to running Windows troubleshooters to open the Windows Store Apps troubleshooting tool.

3. Delete the Skype App Data Folder

Corrupted Skype data can cause connection errors to arise. Users have confirmed that erasing a Skype data folder in the Roaming directory fixed their Skype connection issues. You can delete that folder as follows:

  1. Make sure Skype isn’t running in the background.
  2. Start Run (simultaneously press Windows key + R) and input %appdata% into the Open box.
  3. Click on Run’s OK button to open a Roaming folder in File Explorer.
  4. Right-click the Skype data folder and select Delete to erase it.
  5. Exit the Explorer window and restart Windows.

4. Deselect the Proxy Server Setting

Is a proxy server enabled on your PC? If so, Skype might not be able to connect correctly because of that. Try turning off the proxy settings via the Internet Properties window. You can do that as instructed in this article about turning off proxy settings on Windows 11.

5. Select All "Use TLS" Settings

Users confirm selecting all the "Use TLS" settings in Internet Options can fix Skype connection errors. TLS stands for Transport Layer Security, which is a communications security protocol Skype uses for message encryption.

This is how you select all the "Use TLS" settings:

  1. Press the Windows logo and S keyboard keys to access the file search tool.
  2. Enter Internet Options inside the file search box.
  3. Click Internet Options to bring up a properties window.
  4. Select Advanced on the tab bar.
  5. Scroll down to the Use TLS security settings.
  6. Select all the Use TLS checkboxes.
  7. Also, select the Use SSL checkboxes.
  8. Click Apply to set the new internet settings.

6. Disable All Active Firewalls

A firewall is a network security tool for filtering incoming and outgoing web traffic. Windows has a firewall that could be blocking your Skype app connection. If you’ve installed a third-party firewall, then that can cause the issue much the same.

So, try temporarily turning off firewalls on your Windows PC. You can do so as instructed within this how to turn off the Microsoft Defender Firewall guide. If you also have a third-party security app installed, disable its firewall via the software’s settings. Then utilize Skype to see if the connection error remains.

If that works, Skype probably isn’t allowed through your firewall. Check the allowed app list for your firewall and permit Skype to communicate through it. This article about allowing apps through the Windows firewall provides details for how you can set allowed apps for Microsoft Defender Firewall. Turn the firewall back on when Skype is allowed through it.

7. Update the Driver for Your PC’s Network Adapter

If your network adapter’s driver is an old one, you might need to update it to resolve your Skype connection error. The easiest way to do that is to scan your PC with a driver updater tool and install a new driver for your PC’s network adapter with the software.

Try updating your network adapter’s driver with one of the best free driver updaters for Windows, such as Driver Booster or Driver Easy.

8. Turn Off Any Active VPN Connections

If you have a VPN connection, disconnect from it. Then try utilizing Skype with your standard internet connection. You can turn off the VPN via Settings as follows:

  1. Press the Windows key + I and click Network and Internet inside the Settings app that opens.
  2. Click VPN to bring up virtual private network settings.
  3. Press the Disconnect button for your listed VPN.

9. Perform a Network Reset

Even if your internet connection is fine, Skype connection errors are still network-related issues. So, refreshing network settings might work if other potential solutions fail. Resetting your network will restore network components back to their original settings. So, try performing a network reset as covered in this article about how to reset network settings.

You’ll need to reconnect your PC to the internet after applying this potential resolution. So, make sure you have your network password and username details at hand for reconnecting.

10. Reinstall the Skype Software

Reinstall your Skype software if you can’t fix its connection error with other potential troubleshooting methods. Doing so will at least ensure you’re utilizing the latest Skype version. You can uninstall both the desktop and UWP Skype app via Settings as outlined in this article about removing Windows software.

You can download and install either the Skype desktop or the UWP app. Open this Download Skype page, click the down arrow on the Get Skype button, and select Get Skype for Windows to obtain the setup file for the desktop software. Then you can reinstall the software by double-clicking the Skype installer file in whatever folder includes it.

If you prefer the UWP app, bring up the Skype page on the Microsoft Store. Click Skype’s Get in Store option and select to open Microsoft Store. Select Install to download and add Skype to your PC.

Get Talking With Skype Again on Windows

Those potential solutions will resolve most Skype connection issues. Many users confirm they’ve fixed Skype connection errors by applying them. So, give them a try whenever your Skype app can’t establish a connection for chatting or calling.

Original Article

Can someone access your device even when it’s turned off? The frightening answer is, yes.

In an age where remote access is increasingly common, understanding the technology that makes it possible is crucial. One such technology is Intel’s Active Management Technology, a hardware-based feature that allows for impressive remote capabilities, even when your computer is turned off. While it’s a boon for IT administrators, it can be a potential risk if not configured correctly. So how does Intel AMT work? How can it be used? And how can you protect against it?

Can Someone Remotely Access Powered-Down PCs?

You may have heard stories about remote access incidents, where unauthorized users gain control over someone else’s computer. One such technology that plays a critical role in remote access capabilities is Intel’s Active Management Technology (AMT).

It’s essential to understand that Intel AMT isn’t inherently malicious. It’s a feature integrated into many Intel chipsets, designed to help IT administrators manage devices remotely. However, like any powerful tool, if it falls into the wrong hands, the outcome could be catastrophic.

Imagine this. You’re away from your desk, maybe you’ve even shut down your PC, and you assume it’s safe and secure. But what if someone could still access your computer, make changes, or even wipe your hard drive, all while it appears to be off? This is where Intel AMT comes into play. When configured incorrectly or exploited, it allows for these kinds of remote access incidents.

Yes, even if you turn off your computer, it is possible to access it remotely.

Why Is Intel Active Management Technology Useful?

Intel AMT is hardware-based technology, which means it operates independently of the operating system and the computer’s power state. It’s as if you had a smaller computer inside your computer. This is what allows it to function even when your computer is off or your operating system is unresponsive.

An IT administrator who is responsible for hundreds of computers in an organization can’t possibly run around to each machine for regular maintenance or to fix issues. Intel AMT is a lifesaver. From a separate computer, you can remotely access the AMT-enabled machine, perform diagnostic tests, update software, or even restart the computer. All of this can be done without physically touching the target computer.

But if AMT is so powerful, what’s stopping someone with malicious intent from taking over your computer? The technology has several layers of built-in security features, such as mutual authentication and encrypted communications. However, the efficacy of these security measures depends on how well they are configured. An improperly configured AMT can be like an open door, inviting trouble.

So, to sum it up, Intel AMT is like a super-administrator that can perform a wide range of tasks, all from a remote location. But it has its vulnerabilities. Proper setup and understanding of its capabilities are essential for harnessing its power safely.

How to Access When the Computer Is Off

So how does Intel AMT work?

Your computer has different power states, ranging from fully operational to completely shut down. Even when you turn off your computer, certain components stay awake in a low-power state. Think of it as your computer taking a light nap rather than a deep sleep. Intel AMT exploits this by remaining active in these low-power states.

Because AMT has its own processor and network interface, it can listen for incoming commands even when the main operating system is turned off. When an authorized user (hopefully, your IT administrator) wants to access the computer, they send a “wake-up call” via the network. Once the AMT system receives this signal, it “wakes up” the computer enough to perform tasks like software updates or troubleshooting.

But what if you’re not part of an organization with an IT department? Can you still use or disable this feature? Absolutely. Intel AMT can be accessed through a special interface during your computer’s boot-up process. You can set it up to require a password for remote access or disable it entirely if you don’t need it.

I Have Intel Hardware: How Do I Protect Myself?

Okay, so how can you protect yourself from any malicious hackers?

  1. Check if AMT is enabled: The first step is to find out whether your Intel hardware even has AMT enabled. You can usually do this by entering your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings during startup. Look for options related to Intel AMT and see if they are active.
  2. Set strong authentication: If you decide to keep AMT enabled, make sure you set up strong authentication protocols. This often involves setting a robust password and ensuring that only authorized users can access the AMT interface.
  3. Use encryption: Intel AMT supports encrypted communications. If you want to add an extra layer of security, you can enable this feature.
  4. Regular updates: As with many other technologies, AMT may have vulnerabilities. Keep your AMT software up to date with the latest security patches.
  5. Consult IT experts: If you’re part of an organization, consult your IT department about the best practices for AMT configuration. They can provide tailored advice based on your specific needs.
  6. Consider disabling AMT: If you’re a regular home user and don’t require the advanced features of AMT, you may opt to disable it entirely. This is often the safest route for those who don’t have the expertise to configure it securely.

Intel AMT is a powerful tool that comes with its set of benefits and risks. By taking the time to understand how it works and implementing strong security measures, you can enjoy the convenience it offers while minimizing the dangers.

Don’t Forget Hardware-Level Cybersecurity

Intel’s Active Management Technology is just one example of how the lines between hardware and software security are blurred. This is a complex ecosystem with interlocking components—each piece of hardware, much like AMT, comes with its unique set of features and vulnerabilities.

Understanding how to secure these elements is not just an add-on to your cybersecurity strategy; it’s a fundamental aspect. The insights gained from exploring AMT can serve as a launching pad, offering an understanding that prepares you for the broader, and equally critical, world of hardware-level security.

Original Article

Windows 10’s Clipboard experience lets you access a history of items you’ve copied, pin frequently used items, and sync items across all devices. However, if you don’t want Microsoft to sync any sensitive data to the cloud, you can disable it completely.

By default, Clipboard sync is turned off. If it’s already on, you can toggle clipboard features in Settings > System > Clipboard. But when you enable the sync feature, it automatically syncs all text that you copy.

Automatic Clipboard sync across all devices turned on.

To prevent any user on the computer from enabling this and accidentally syncing potentially sensitive data such as passwords to Microsoft’s servers, you can disable this feature altogether.

Home Users: Disable Clipboard Sync via the Registry Editor

If you have Windows 10 Home, you’ll have to edit the Windows Registry to make these changes. You can also do it this way if you have Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise if you feel more comfortable working in the Registry as opposed to Group Policy Editor. (If you have Pro or Enterprise, though, we recommend using the easier Group Policy Editor, as described in the next section.)

Standard warning: Registry Editor is a powerful tool and misusing it can render your system unstable or even inoperable. This is a pretty simple hack, and as long as you stick to the instructions, you shouldn’t have any problems. That said, if you’ve never worked with it before, consider reading about how to use the Registry Editor before you get started. And definitely back up the Registry (and your computer!) before making changes.

You should also make a System Restore point before continuing. Windows will probably do this automatically when you install the Anniversary Update, but it couldn’t hurt to make one manually—that way, if something goes wrong, you can always roll back.

Then, open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows+R on your keyboard, typing “regedit” into the box, and then hitting the Enter key.

Press Windows+R to open "Run" and type "regedit" in and hit the Enter key.

Navigate to the following key in the left sidebar:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsSystem

Once here, right-click on the “System” key (folder) in the left pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value in the System key.

Name the value “AllowCrossDeviceClipboard.” Double-click it and set the value to “0.”

Ensure the value data for it is "0" before you click "Okay."

You can now close the registry editor. You don’t have to sign out or restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

To re-enable cross-device synchronization for Clipboard, you can return here, locate the “AllowCrossDeviceClipboard” value, and set it back to “1” or delete it completely.

Download Our One-Click Registry Hack

Rather than editing the registry yourself, you can download our Disable Clipboard Sync across Devices Registry Hack. Just open the downloaded .zip file, double-click the “DisableClipboardSyncAcrossDevices.reg” file, and agree to add the information to your registry. We’ve also included an “EnableClipboardSyncAcrossDevices.reg” if you’d like to re-enable it again.

The warning you receive when adding a Registry hack. Click "Yes" to proceed.

These .reg files change the same registry settings we outlined above. If you’d like to see what this or any other .reg file will do before you run it, you can right-click the .reg file and select “Edit” to open it in Notepad. You can easily make your own Registry hacks.

Pro and Enterprise Users: Disable Clipboard Sync via Group Policy

If you’re using Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise, the easiest way to disable Clipboard sync across devices is by using the Local Group Policy Editor. It’s a pretty powerful tool, so if you’ve never used it before, it’s worth taking some time to learn what it can do.

Also, if you’re on a company network, do everyone a favor and check with your admin first. If your work computer is part of a domain, it’s also likely it’s part of a domain group policy that will supersede the local group policy, anyway.

You should also make a System Restore point before continuing. Windows will probably do this automatically when you install the Anniversary Update. Still, it couldn’t hurt to make one manually—that way, if something goes wrong, you can always roll back.

First, launch the group policy editor by pressing Windows+R, typing “gpedit.msc” into the box, and then pressing the Enter key.

Press Windows+R, type “gpedit.msc” into the box, and press Enter.

Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > OS Policies.

Locate the “Allow Clipboard Synchronization across Devices” setting and double-click on it.

Locate and double-click "Allow Clipboard synchronization across devices."

Set the “Allow Synchronization across Devices” option to “Disabled” and then click the “OK” button to save your changes.

Set this option to "Disabled" and click "OK" when you're done.

The policy change takes effect immediately. You can now close the Group Policy Editor without needing to restart your device before the setting is disabled.

The setting is greyed out and users aren't able to turn it on.

To re-enable Clipboard synchronization across devices, return here, double-click the “Allow Clipboard Synchronization across Devices” setting, and then change it to “Not Configured” or “Enabled.”

Original Article

An IP address identifies any given device on a network. You might need it for online gaming or remote desktop computing. Your Windows 10 PC has an IP address, and there are a few different ways you can find it. Here’s how.
Table of Contents Find Your IP Address from the Settings Menu Find Your IP Address Using the Control Panel Find Your IP Address Using Command Prompt Find Your IP Address from the Settings Menu You can find the IP address of your Windows 10 PC in the Settings menu. But instead of clicking through several levels of options to find it, we’ll use a shortcut to jump straight to it.
To the right of the taskbar, you’ll see a group of several different icons. We want to locate the network icon. The icon design will differ depending on whether you’re connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Right-click the icon.
Network icon design when connected to Wi-Fi. Network icon design when using an Ethernet connection. Note: If you can’t find the icon on your taskbar, it ..

In Google Docs, you can create and customize multilevel lists in your document with ease. You can format your lists with bullets, numbers, or even alphabetized them. Let’s take a look at the process.

How to Create a Multilevel List

Fire up a browser, head to your Google Docs homepage, and open a new document.

It’s effortless to create a multilevel list in Google Docs. All you have to do is type on a line to begin your list, press Enter after the first item to start a new line, type the next item on your list, and so on. When you’ve typed all the items on your list, highlight all the lines.

A list highlighted in a Google Doc.

Next, click Format > Bullets & Numbering > Numbered List, and then choose a formatting style from the list.

Click "Format," "Bullets & Numbering," and then select "Numbered List."

For this guide, we’ll use a numbered list. If you prefer a “Bulleted List,” choose that instead.

Your list is formatted in the style you chose.

A numbered list in a Google Doc.

While this is a single-level list, the process to create a multilevel list in Docs isn’t much different. When you start to demote and promote items, that’s when it becomes a true multilevel list.

Demote and Promote Lines in Your Multilevel List

Demoting a line indents an item to a lower list level under the previous item, and promoting an item does the opposite.

To demote an item, place your cursor at the beginning of the line.

Click the beginning of a line to place your cursor there.

Next, press Tab to send the item to the lower list level.

A demoted list item in a Google Doc.

If you want to demote an item more than once down a line, continue to press Tab. You can demote an item up to eight times. In our example, we demoted the third line in our list twice.

A list showing an item demoted twice in Google Docs.

Repeat the steps until you’re satisfied with your multilevel list.

A multilevel list in Google Docs.

If you want to promote a line (move it up one level), you can use a keyboard shortcut. Place the cursor at the beginning of the line, and then press Shift+Tab.

Place the cursor at the beginning of a line, and then press Shift+Tab to promote that list item.

You can use this method on multiple lines simultaneously. First, highlight the lines in the list you want to promote.

List items highlighted in a Google Doc.

Next, hit Tab or Shift+Tab to demote or promote the list items.

List items highlighted in a Google Doc.

How to Change the Format of a Multilevel List

If you want to change the basic format of your multilevel list, it’s simple! If you initially chose a numbered list, but decide you want a bulleted list, it’s no problem! It only takes a few seconds to change from one format to another.

Place the cursor anywhere in the list, click the Bulleted list (or Numbered list) icon, and then choose a style from the drop-down menu.

Click anywhere in the list, click the Bulleted list icon, and then choose a new style.

Just like that, the whole list changes to the new style you selected.

A multilevel bulleted list in Google Docs.

How to Customize a Multilevel List

While the level of customization in Google Docs pales in comparison to Microsoft Word, you can use colors and unique bullets to personalize your multilevel lists.

If you want to add some color, highlight a line in your multilevel list.

A highlighted list item in a Google Doc.

Next, click the Text Color icon in the toolbar and choose a color from the palette.

Click the Text Color icon and choose a color.

Repeat this step for each line you want to make more vibrant.

Lines of a list in Google Docs in different font colors.

You can also customize every bullet in your list with a symbol, special character, emoji, or anything else available in the Google Docs special character list.

RELATED: How to Insert Symbols into Google Docs and Slides

To do so, double-click the bullet or number you want to change, and then right-click it to open the context menu. You can choose from a few options in the context menu or click “More Bullets” to see the full list of special characters.

Double-click the number you want to change, right-click it, and then click "More Bullets."

Click the second drop-down menu to choose a category. There are a lot, so be prepared to spend some time browsing.

Click the second drop-down menu to choose the category.

Click the third drop-down menu to refine the characters even further.

Click the third drop-down menu.

Once you’ve chosen the categories, click the character you want to designate it as the new bullet.

Click the character you want to use as your new bullet.

An alarm clock is a ridiculous choice for a bullet, but you can choose anything you want.

Repeat this process for each bullet you want to replace until you’re satisfied with your multilevel list.

A multilevel list in Google Docs with alarm clocks, eyes, two people, and a hand holding up an index finger as bullets.

These custom bullets act as the new style for your list. Anytime you promote or demote an item, it will do so with the current level’s bullet (provided you’ve chosen one for that level).

That’s all there is to it!

Original Article

At a time when businesses worldwide were shedding money because of the pandemic, Zoom saw revenue growth of 370% in just one quarter, becoming a household name and a verb in the process. But right from the start the service faced pointed questions about security, and to their credit, the developers did their best to address them quickly.

In the light of Zoom’s beefed-up security mechanisms, here’s what you can — and should — configure to ensure maximum protection while Zooming.

1. Make the meeting unique

You can set up a Zoom conference either with a Personal Meeting ID (PMI) or, for one-off chats, with a one-time link. Tied to a user’s account, a PMI persists unchanged for a full year from the last login, so anyone who has attended at least one PMI-based meeting can connect to any future conversation using the same PMI, even if you don’t invite them. Therefore, avoid using personal links, and instead create a separate link for each meeting — it takes just a few seconds.

2. Require invitations

Publicly sharing a link to a meeting is risky. You might as well spray-paint party details on a public wall and hope no one crashes. Notify each participant individually, whether by e-mail, messaging app, or another convenient means. If you realize someone’s missing from a call already in progress, send an invitation right from Zoom.

3. Set up face control

Even if you sent a link personally to a friend or colleague, that’s no guarantee someone else won’t use it to join the call: Your friend might have forwarded the link to someone else, or it could be a mischievous kid brother — or a hacker.

The Waiting Room can help you make sure that there’re no uninvited guests on the call. If you enable the feature, attendees will remain sequestered until you look over the names and nicknames and decide who to let in.

After the meeting starts, you can send someone back to the Waiting Room if, say, you need to discuss something with a smaller team. You can also choose to enable the Waiting Room for everyone or only for guests who are not signed in to their Zoom accounts.

4. Lock the Zoom meeting

Once everyone is in, you can lock the meeting so that no one else can join. That way, even if the link to your video chat is available to outsiders, they will not be able to use it. Incidentally, locking has become one of the most effective ways to combat Zoombombing, the practice of invading Zoom calls, which became widespread during the pandemic.

5. Enable end-to-end encryption

Zoom has long used point-to-point encryption (P2PE), whereby private keys are stored on the server. P2PE protects against simple data interception, but hacking the Zoom server enables an attacker to decrypt the conversation.

Therefore, Zoom developers added end-to-end encryption (E2EE), which stores keys only on users’ devices. Enable end-to-end encryption and a green shield with a padlock will appear in the upper left corner of the Zoom screen. That icon means the call is protected against eavesdropping.

Bear in mind that end-to-end encryption is disabled by default for a reason: With it enabled, participants using the Lync or Skype clients, the online version of the Zoom Web client, or any third-party clients for Zoom will not be able to join the call. In addition, users with free accounts will be asked to confirm their phone number and add a payment method.

6. Check the channel’s security

You can check at any time to see if outsiders have used a man-in-the-middle attack to connect to your communication channel. Click on the shield icon and you will see a secret key. The host can read it out loud, and participants can compare it with their own. The numeric key is directly related to the end-to-end encryption mechanism that connects attendees’ devices. If the host’s key matches those of the call participants, that means the connection between the end devices has not been compromised. If an attacker has interfered with it, the sequence of numbers will be different.

When the host’s functions are transferred to another participant, or someone joins or leaves the meeting, the system generates another secret key, and participants can check it again.

7. Get extra protection

To hide your IP address — and the call itself — from outsiders, be sure to connect using a secure connection such as Kaspersky Secure Connection. Using a VPN is especially important for calls conducted over public Wi-Fi.

Don’t forget to use a reliable security solution, either — no matter how much Zoom has improved its security, it cannot do anything about malware that has already set up shop on a call participant’s device.

Original Article