Zoombombing Resources

Quick Links:
What is Zoombombing? – Advisory for Public/Large Events – How to Avoid Zoombombing – When to Use Zoom Webinars – Additional Zoom Security Resources

What is Zoombombing?

Zoombombing occurs when uninvited individuals join a Zoom session and disrupt it using tools like screen sharing, annotation, or chat.

Note: For public events or sessions with unknown attendees, use Zoom Webinar instead of a Zoom Meeting to prevent unauthorized video or audio disruptions. Learn more below.

How to Report Zoombombing:

Zoom takes abusive behavior on its platform seriously and wants to ensure your meetings are secure. If you need to report a Zoombombing incident, you can do so by:

  • Reporting a participant during a meeting
  • Reporting by email, by sending the following information to trust@zoom.us:
    • Meeting ID where the incident occurred
    • Email address of the user or room that hosted the meeting
    • Date, time, and time zone when this took place
    • Type of violation and names of any participants you would like to report

Advisory: Consider Using Zoom Webinars for Public or Large Events

For public events, lectures, town halls, or sessions where you do not know all attendees, Zoom Webinars provide stronger built-in security than Zoom Meetings.

With Zoom Webinars:

  • Attendees cannot turn on their video or audio
  • Only the host and designated panelists can speak or share video
  • Audience interaction is limited to Q&A, chat (if enabled), and polls
  • The overall experience is more controlled and presentation-focused

Zoom Meetings are designed for collaboration, where participants can freely use audio and video. Zoom Webinars are designed for one‑to‑many communication, making them a safer choice for large or public‑facing events. To request a temporary Zoom Webinar license, visit the Zoom Meeting and Webinar (ZMW) service page: it.miami.edu/zmw 

When to Use Each Option:

Use a Zoom Meeting when...

  • You expect discussion or collaboration
  • Participants are known to you
  • Video and audio interaction is desired

Use a Zoom Webinar when...

  • The event is public or open-registration
  • You need tighter control over audio and video
  • The format is primarily presentation or lecture-based

How to Avoid Zoombombing

To keep your meetings and classes secure, use the recommended settings below.

Accordion Group

Open All Tabs

When to Use Zoom Webinars

For large or public events, consider using a Zoom Webinar for more security:

  • Participants cannot use screen share
  • Q&A is moderated
  • Limited attendee interaction
  • Registration options available

This format is best for high-visibility events. To learn more about Zoom webinars visit UMIT’s Zoom Meeting and Webinar Service.

Additional Zoom Security Resources

Use the resources below for additional guidance, best practices, and security tools that can further strengthen the protection of your Zoom sessions.

For more information about Zoom, including a list of features and benefits, visit the Zoom service page. For answers to commonly asked questions, review the Zoom FAQs.

If you suspect you may be a victim of Zoombombing, please contact the IT Service Desk, as well as the IT Security team at: infosec@miami.edu.

 

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