Potential privacy risks associated with videoconferencing system

A potential privacy problem caused by standard default settings on videoconferencing systems installed in many Penn State meeting rooms has come to light. The default settings enable remote activation of the room’s videoconferencing system and will allow audio monitoring via any un-muted microphone and visual monitoring by remote camera control. Unless someone attending the meeting is monitoring the system, unwelcome observations can occur without the room’s occupants knowing. In an effort to reduce these risks, ITS has outlined settings that can be reconfigured on the videoconferencing systems within these rooms to enable an increased level of security and privacy. Guidelines are available at http://tns.its.psu.edu/videoConferencing/videoConfSecurity.cfm online.