Remote Learning’s Hidden Security Risk
With online learning and homeschooling becoming more popular and sometimes where it is the only way, the risks are also growing. Many reports were received by government law enforcement institutions of online class disruptions while students were taking part.
Keep On Teaching
It has become necessary for teachers to start providing students with online classes to keep their education up to date. Many teachers are making use of free video conferencing applications to help in this online teaching process.
The problem with this is that the links sent to students to join these online classes are public links. This means that anyone who has the link can join the video session without even identifying themselves.
This may sound like an innocent event, but there are several cases where these video seminar sessions were interrupted.
The Security Risk
Anyone with the wrong motive, the intruder can simply join and interrupt the session with all types of videos and comments. In one such case reported, a culprit interrupted an education session with pornographic images after hijacking the video session.
There is no way the educator can tell who did it because no identification is needed to click on the link and join. Unfortunately, there are people out there who have no respect for other people’s privacy, so you need to be prepared.
Public Platforms
One of the free public platforms used is the Zoom platform, with straightforward ways to connect with students. The problem is that these are very public options, and anyone with the link can then join the video conference.
There are also other platforms teachers can use to connect with their students, but they are also at risk of being interrupted.
The Solution
The best way to keep the risks at a minimum is not publicly posting the links where anyone can get hold of it. Another problem is that students post the links to friends and even other schools, creating a new risk.
It is recommended that these education video conferences be kept private rather than public to minimize the risks. Students should also be aware of the dangers of publicly sharing these links, which may lead to bad experiences.
If anyone is experiencing these interruptions, they should go to this website to find out what to do about it. Also, visit the Zoom official website to find out how to make your video conferences more private and secure for teachers and students.
If anyone is interested in starting homeschooling, go to this website to find out how to do it in your area. Many people are turning to the K-12 online homeschooling system to get a proper education for their children.
There is a wide range of online education systems for professional education to all people who need to be educated.
Concluding Thoughts
Teachers need to note that they must initiate the privacy and security factor to keep themselves and their students safe. The best way to do that is with proper research and making use of security options and technologies.