Are any of your schools in DCPS currently using Zoom? Get ready for switching mid-stream.
FYI this message was sent out this week:
DCPS Colleagues,
With increased use of free video conferencing to enable distance learning and staff teleworking, there has been a recent rise in reports of “Zoom-bombing” incidents in which uninvited participants disrupt video conferences with inappropriate content. This has happened to schools, businesses, and colleges and universities using Zoom. Due to recent warnings from the FBI and the Office of the Chief Technology Officer, DCPS staff should not use Zoom for video or audio conferencing.
To avoid such privacy breaches, DCPS strongly recommends that teachers and staff use Microsoft Teams, part of the Office 365 Suite, for video and audio conferencing with students and colleagues. Microsoft Teams can be used to set up conferences with students calling from a computer or a phone for free. Schools and central office staff can ensure secure conferences in Teams by setting the appropriate Meeting Options (see page 6 of the Microsoft Teams quick-start guide) including only allowing “People in my Organization” to bypass the lobby and “Only Me” to present. School staff can also access video training resources on using Teams through the Microsoft Teams Video Tutorials.
For questions on this guidance, please reach out to DCPS.Tech@k12.dc.gov.
Best,
DCPS Communications
Linked news story:
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/fbi-warns-of-zoom-bombing-after-2-mass-schools-have-web-conferences-hijacked/2099692/