Video Calling Safety: Using Zoom and FaceTime Securely

You haven't seen your grandchildren in months. Then your daughter suggests a video call. Soon you're looking at their smiling faces on your screen, watching them show off their new drawings and tell you about their day.

Video calling is a wonderful gift. It connects you with family across the miles, lets you attend virtual doctor appointments, and helps you stay in touch with friends.

But like any technology, video calling comes with privacy considerations. Understanding how to use these tools safely helps you enjoy the connection without unwanted intrusions.

Why Video Calling Privacy Matters

When you make a video call, you're inviting people into your home digitally. They can see:

What's behind you
Who else is in the room
Your personal belongings and living space

Additionally:

The video call company may record or store data
Other people might be able to join uninvited
Your conversations could be intercepted if the connection isn't secure

The good news? A few simple settings can protect your privacy while you enjoy connecting with loved ones.

FaceTime: The Private Choice for Apple Users

What Is FaceTime?

FaceTime is Apple's video calling service. It works on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers.

Key advantage: FaceTime uses end-to-end encryption. This means only you and the person you're calling can see and hear the conversation. Not even Apple can access your calls.

FaceTime Privacy Features

End-to-End Encryption:

Your call is encrypted from your device to theirs
No one in between—not Apple, not hackers, not governments—can listen in
This is the gold standard for call privacy

FaceTime Security Best Practices:

1. Check Who You're Calling

Always verify the name and number before answering
Scammers can spoof caller ID
If you're not expecting a call, let it go to voicemail

2. Use FaceTime Links Carefully

You can create links to share FaceTime calls with non-Apple users
Only share these links with people you trust
Anyone with the link can join the call

3. Control Your Camera and Microphone

During a call, you can turn off your camera (the button with a camera icon and slash)
You can mute your microphone anytime
Do this if you need privacy during the call

4. Be Aware of What's Behind You

FaceTime shows what's behind you
Position yourself with a neutral background if possible
Avoid showing personal documents, medications, or valuables

5. Use Portrait Mode for Privacy

FaceTime can blur your background
Tap your video thumbnail, then tap the portrait icon
This keeps the focus on you, not your surroundings

FaceTime Limitations

Only works on Apple devices. If your grandchildren use Android phones, you'll need a different solution.

Requires an Apple ID. You'll need to set this up if you don't have one.

Zoom: Great Features, But Requires Setup

What Is Zoom?

Zoom became incredibly popular during the pandemic. It works on virtually any device—computers, tablets, phones—and allows multiple people to join one call.

Key advantage: Easy to use once set up, and works across all devices.

Important consideration: Zoom's privacy depends heavily on your settings. Default settings may not be as private as you'd like.

Zoom Security Settings You Should Use

1. Require a Waiting Room

The waiting room holds attendees until you admit them. This prevents uninvited guests from joining.

How to enable:

Sign into your Zoom account on the web
Go to Settings → Meeting → Security
Turn on "Waiting Room"

2. Require a Password

Add a password so only people with the password can join.

How to enable:

In Zoom settings, go to Meetings
Turn on "Require meeting password"
Share the password only with invited guests

3. Disable Screen Sharing for Participants

By default, anyone can share their screen. You can restrict this to just the host (you).

During a call:

Click the up arrow next to "Share Screen"
Click "Advanced Sharing Options"
Under "Who can share?" select "Only Host"

4. Lock Your Meeting

Once everyone has joined, lock the meeting so no one else can enter.

During a call:

Click "Participants" at the bottom
Click "More" at the bottom of the participants list
Click "Lock Meeting"

5. Don't Use Personal Meeting ID for Public Calls

Your Personal Meeting ID (PMI) stays the same for every call. If strangers learn it, they can try to join.

Instead:

Let Zoom generate a random meeting ID for each call
This ID changes every time, making it harder for intruders

Preventing "Zoombombing"

"Zoombombing" happens when uninvited people join your call and display inappropriate content or disrupt the conversation.

How to prevent it:

Use all the security settings above
Never share your meeting link on social media
Only send the link and password to invited guests
Use the waiting room to screen attendees

Zoom Privacy Considerations

Encryption: Zoom encrypts calls, but not with end-to-end encryption by default. The company can theoretically access call data.

Recording: The host can record calls. You'll see a warning if this happens, but be aware that calls might be recorded.

Data collection: Zoom collects information about how you use the service. Read their privacy policy if you're concerned.

General Video Calling Safety Tips

Before the Call

1. Test Your Setup

Do a practice call with a family member
Make sure you know how to turn camera and microphone on/off
Test your internet connection

2. Prepare Your Space

Position yourself with a plain wall behind you if possible
Remove personal documents from view
Check lighting so people can see you clearly

3. Secure Your Device

Make sure your computer or phone has a password
Keep your software updated
Use antivirus software on computers

During the Call

1. Verify Who's There

Check the participant list
If you see someone you don't recognize, remove them
In Zoom: click Participants, hover over their name, click "Remove"

2. Be Careful What You Share

Don't hold documents up to the camera
Don't discuss sensitive financial information
Remember that calls might be recorded

3. Know How to End the Call

Practice ending calls so you can do it quickly if needed
The red "End Call" or "Leave Meeting" button disconnects you

After the Call

1. Close the App Completely

Don't just minimize—fully close the application
This ensures the camera and microphone are truly off

2. Cover Your Camera When Not in Use

Many people put a sticker or cover over laptop cameras
For phones and tablets, keep them face-down when not in use

Special Considerations for Telehealth Calls

Video calls with doctors require extra privacy attention.

For medical appointments:

1. Use a Private Space

Find a quiet, private room
Close doors and windows
Use headphones if others are nearby

2. Verify the Platform

Ask your doctor which platform they use
Make sure it's HIPAA-compliant for medical privacy
Many doctors use specialized telehealth platforms

3. Secure Your Connection

Use your home WiFi, not public WiFi
If you must use public WiFi, use a VPN
Ask your tech-savvy family member to help set this up

4. Don't Record Without Permission

Recording medical visits may violate privacy laws
Ask your doctor before recording anything

Red Flags: Video Call Scams to Watch For

🚩 RED FLAGS – Hang Up If:

Someone claims to be tech support and asks for remote access to your computer
The caller pressures you to download software or apps
You're asked to pay for something during the call
You receive an unexpected video call from a "government agency"
Someone shares their screen and asks you to enter passwords or financial information
The call quality is suspiciously poor (might be a pre-recorded scam)

Key Takeaways

📦 Key Takeaway Box:

✅ FaceTime offers the best privacy with end-to-end encryption, but only works on Apple devices.

✅ Zoom requires proper security settings to be private. Always use waiting rooms and passwords.

✅ Never share meeting links on social media. Send them only to invited guests.

✅ Lock your Zoom meeting once everyone has arrived to prevent intruders.

✅ Be aware of what's behind you during video calls. Use blur background features when available.

✅ Cover your camera when not in use and close apps completely after calls.

✅ For medical appointments, use HIPAA-compliant platforms and ensure you're in a private space.

Stay Connected, Stay Safe

Video calling opens up wonderful opportunities to stay connected with the people you love. Whether it's watching your grandchildren grow, attending a virtual family reunion, or consulting with your doctor from home, these tools bring the world to you.

The key is using them wisely. With the right settings and awareness, you can enjoy all the benefits while protecting your privacy.

Don't let fear of technology keep you from the people who matter. Just take a few precautions, and then enjoy that precious face time with your loved ones.

Next in This Series: Article 59 – Don't Get Hooked: Understanding Romance Scams Targeting Seniors

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