Zoom-Bombing Prevention

An illustration of a woman reacting in horror to her computer screen with the words "What is Zoom-Bombing?"

Zoom-bombing is an organized assault typically committed by anonymous, uninvited guests in a Zoom event who share their screens for the purposes of bombarding other attendees with disturbing images and content.

It typically takes the form of willful harassment, intimidation, and threat targeted at individuals from underrepresented or minoritized social groups based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexuality, and religion.

1: PREP for Zoom meetings

what to do before launching a Zoom meeting

Illustration of a user logging into the Penn State Webaccess Login
P: Penn State Authentication

Enable Penn State Authentication in the settings of your Zoom meeting.

Illustration showing restricted screen sharing, Audio, Video and Chat
R: Restrict screen sharing, Audio, Video and Chat

Turn off participant audio, video, and screen sharing ability in the meeting settings. Use a Zoom Webinar instead of a personal meeting room.

Illustration of a woman using a laptop while sitting on her bed, sipping from a mug
E: Enable waiting room

Enable a ‘Waiting Room’ in the meeting settings.

Illustration of a password field
P: Password protection

Set a unique password for each meeting in the settings.

2: MEET using Zoom

what settings to adjust in the meeting

Illustration of a muted zoom meeting
M: Mute all participants

Mute all participants as they enter the meeting. 

Illustration of a nametag with the name Beatrice
E: Eliminate participate renaming

Remove participants’ ability to rename themselves once they enter the meeting.

Illustration of a padlock
E: Enable lock meeting

Once all expected participants are in the meeting, ‘Lock’ the meeting to prevent new entries.  

Illustration of a video camera
T: Turn on recording

Turn on the Zoom ‘Record Meeting’ feature.

3: ACT if meeting is disrupted

what to do if the Zoom meeting is disrupted

Illustration of a woman reacting to a zoom bombing experience
A: Suspend Participant Activity or Adjourn Meeting

Should the meeting be disrupted, immediately “Suspend Participant Activity” in the Zoom settings, unmute yourself, and let participants know you are about to “Adjourn the Meeting.

Illustration of a campus police car
C: Contact University Police

Contact Campus Police as soon as possible after a disruption.

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T: Take advantage of available resources

Take advantage of the resources the University has put together for after a disruption occurs.  

Get Support

Students:

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), 814-863-0395, Available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Confidential Resource)

Penn State Police – Victim Resource Services, 814-863-0823

Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC), 814-865-3776, Available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Faculty/Staff:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 866-799-2728, Available 24/7 (Confidential Resource)

Penn State Police – Victim Resource Services, 814-863-0823

Download Zoom Bombing Prevention PDF12 MB
This publication is available in alternative media on request. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. U.Ed. LBS 21-484
Download "What is Zoom Bombing" PDF9 MB
This publication is available in alternative media on request. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. U.Ed. LBS 21-485

"Prevent and Manage Meeting Disruptions" Knowledge Article

Review the linked article for step-by-step instructions, screen shots, and more details on how to prevent and manage meeting disruptions (aka Zoom-Bombing).
View Knowledge Article  

"Take Action to Secure Your Meetings" Informational Video

This video is intended for Penn State faculty, staff and students who host Zoom meetings. Learn how to secure your meetings and what to do in the event of a Zoom-bombing.
View Video