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Four key security features of Cisco web conferencing

May 23, 2018 — Webex Team

Secure web conferencing is the gold standard for modern collaboration. It backs the unique experience of lifelike video and HD audio with essential measures that protect communications from prying eyes.

The stakes are high for ensuring safe web conferences because sensitive data is routinely exchanged in these virtual meetings. A Forrester Research report estimated one-fifth of web conferences involved trade secrets and that even more of them featured financial information disclosures and details of marketing plans.

What does a truly secure web conferencing platform look like? It combines multi-layered physical, application, and platform security into a solution that’s still easy to use, allowing you to focus your limited time and energy on meetings instead of containing risks.

There are many Cisco Webex security features that make your life easier. In this post, we’ll focus on four that deliver a safer web conferencing experience.

Flexible password management capabilities

Requiring a password for each web conference is one of the most straightforward and effective steps for securing your meetings. It guards against unauthorized access without disrupting the way participants can join.

Plus, Webex administrators have many options for fine-tuning password enforcement. They can:

Require a password change during someone’s next login.
Configure predefined lists of unacceptable passwords (e.g., “password” or “123456”).
Enforce passwords for anyone joining over the phone or a video conferencing system.
Set up administrator approval for any “Forgot password?” reset requests.
Specify required password character composition.

Advanced encryption options

Not encrypting web conferencing traffic is like leaving the door and windows to your home wide open: You let anyone see what you’re doing and possibly even make off with important valuables.

Webex has you covered with encryption for data in transit and at rest, along with the option for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) if needed. All media streams are encrypted during sessions between Webex apps and the Webex cloud. E2EE can be enabled to prevent stream decryption and limit encryption key access to a meeting’s host and attendees.

Cisco Webex also shields data at rest. That means hashed, salted, and encrypted passwords that are at very low risk of ever falling into the wrong hands.

Robust data center security

A secure web conferencing solution has multiple pillars supporting it. One of these is a network of data centers protecting the application from physical threats.

Physical security has often been described as an overlooked domain, since it seems really simple compared to complex cyber threats such as ransomware and distributed denial-of-service attacks. At the same time, it’s essential in preventing some of the most pressing lines of attack, including insider threats. An Ipswitch ebook estimated three-fourths of security breaches were attributable to insider behaviors.

Cisco Webex enjoys the protections of a limited access network, which is accessible only by highly trusted parties like Cisco personnel. Its data centers also feature multiple environmental controls and service continuity enhancements. These safeguards minimize the risk of any sudden, unexpected disruptions to application availability that could leave your remote teams stranded.

Role-based access

Alongside physical security, role-based access is a proven way to reduce the dangers of insider threats by carefully controlling what specific users can do. The security features of Cisco Webex limit the privileges of meeting attendees, who by default are assigned no responsibilities and cannot become presenters.

Meanwhile, hosts and administrators have more extensive capabilities. They can grant—and, crucially, revoke—access to content such as shared apps and desktops during meetings.

Cisco Webex’s security features are comprehensive. As a result, you can be confident your meetings are safe from harm and conducive to everyone’s productivity. Learn more about the security features of Cisco Webex.