Apps
Are You Using Zoom For Calls? Here Are Some Security Tips

With social distancing and quarantine measures implemented around the globe, people quickly started searching for effective means of communicating with each other. With its reported ease of use and attractive pricing, Zoom quickly rose in popularity. With so much use, Zoom’s flaws came rapidly to light.
The company handled the tremendous increase of workload seamlessly and quickly reacted to security researchers’ discoveries. However, just like with each and every service, code updates will not address every complaint, but some issues are very much worth keeping in mind. So, here are ten security and privacy tips for Zoom users. Keep in mind, that most of them apply to other video messengers too.
Protect Your Account
A Zoom account is just another account, and in setting yours up, you should apply the basics of account protection. Use a strong and unique password, and protect your account with two-factor authentication, which makes your account harder to hack and better protected, even if your account data leaks (though so far that hasn’t happened).
There’s at least one more Zoom-specific catch: After you register, in addition to your login and password you get a Personal Meeting ID. Avoid making it public. And because Zoom offers an option to create public meetings with your Personal Meeting ID (PMI), it’s quite easy to leak that ID. If you do, anyone who knows your PMI can join any meeting you host, so share this information prudently.
Use Your Work E-mail to Register with Zoom
A glitch in Zoom causes the service to consider e-mails of the same domain — unless it’s a really common domain such as @gmail.com or @yahoo.com — as belonging to one company, and it shares their contact details with each member of that group. For example, that happened to users who registered Zoom accounts using e-mails ending with @yandex.kz, which is a public e-mail service in Kazakhstan, and it may happen again with e-mail addresses belonging to smaller public e-mail providers.
So, to register with Zoom, use your work e-mail. Sharing your work contact details with your real colleagues should not be a big deal. If you don’t have a work e-mail, use a burner account with a well-known public domain to keep your personal contact details private.
Don’t Fall for Fake Zoom Apps
As Kaspersky security researcher Denis Parinov discovered, this March the number of malicious files incorporating the names of popular video conference services (Webex, GoToMeeting, Zoom, and others) in their filenames had roughly tripled in comparison with the numbers he found month by month over the previous year.
That most likely means malefactors are ramping up their abuse based on the popularity of Zoom and other apps of its kind, trying to disguise malware as videoconference clients. It’s advised to use Zoom’s official website — zoom.us — to download Zoom safely for Mac and PC, and to go to the App Store or Google Play for the mobile versions.
Don’t Use Social Media to Share Conference Links
Sometimes you want to host public events, and in many places online events are the only type of public events available these days, so Zoom is attracting more and more people. But even if your event is truly open to everyone, you should avoid sharing the link on social media. Otherwise, there’s a chance that trolls can disrupt your meeting with offensive content, this phenomenon is now called Zoombombing.
Protect Every Meeting With a Password
Setting up a password for your meeting remains the best means of ensuring that only the people you want in your meeting can attend it. Recently Zoom turned password protection on by default, which is a good move. And like meeting links, meeting passwords should never appear on social media or other public channels, or your efforts to protect your call from trolls will be in vain.
Enable Waiting Room
Another setting that gives you more control over the meeting, is Waiting Room — recently enabled by default — makes participants wait in a “waiting room” until the host approves each one. That gives you the ability to control who joins your meeting, even if someone who wasn’t supposed to participate somehow got the password for it. It also lets you kick an unwanted person out of the meeting — and into the waiting room. We recommend leaving this box ticked.
Pay Attention to Screen-Sharing Features
Every normal videoconference app offers screen-sharing — the ability of one participant to show their screen to the others — and Zoom is no exception. Some settings that are worth keeping an eye on:
- Limiting screen-sharing ability to the host or extending it to everyone on the call;
- Letting multiple participants share screens simultaneously.
Stick with the Web Client if Possible
The various Zoom client apps have demonstrated a variety of flaws. Some versions let hackers access the device’s camera and microphone; others let websites add users to calls without their consent. Zoom was quick to fix the aforementioned problems, as well as other, similar ones, and it stopped sharing user data with Facebook and LinkedIn.
However, since this threat is possible, we recommend using Zoom’s Web interface instead of installing the app on your device, if possible. The Web version sits in a sandbox in the browser and doesn’t have the permissions an installed app has, limiting the amount of harm it can potentially cause.
In some cases, however, even if you want to use the Web interface, you may find that Zoom has gone ahead and downloaded the installer, and there’s just no other option to connect to the meeting but to install the client. In that case, you can at least limit the number of devices on which Zoom is installed to just one. Choose a device with next to no personal information. We know that sounds somewhat paranoid, but better safe than sorry.
Make Sure You Always Have the Latest Version of Zoom Installed
Updating apps as soon as the new version comes out is always a good idea — in the vast majority of cases such updates include fixes for serious security bugs that have been found in the previous version. Zoom is no exception, so it is likely that the newer version will be addressing certain issues and improving the security of the program.
Think About What People Can See or Hear
This one applies to every videoconferencing service, not just Zoom. Before you jump on the call, take a moment to consider what people will see or hear when you join the call. Even if you’re home alone, they may expect you to be fully dressed. Basic grooming is probably a good idea.
The same holds true for your screen if you plan on sharing it. Close any windows you’d rather others not see, whether it’s a surprise gift you’re buying online for another person on the Zoom call or a job search your boss doesn’t need to know about. We’ll leave other examples to your imagination.
Self-isolation can be boring and lonely. On the bright side, imagine all of this stuff happening before broadband, videoconferences, and the ability of many to work remotely. We’re glad such apps as Zoom exist, and now you know the right way to use it.

Apps
Apple Invites App Simplifies Gathering for Special Occasions

Apple today introduced Apple Invites, a new app for iPhone that helps users create custom invitations to gather friends and family for any occasion. With Apple Invites, users can create and easily share invitations, RSVP, contribute to Shared Albums, and engage with Apple Music playlists. Starting today, users can download Apple Invites from the App Store, or access it on the web through icloud.com/ae/invites. iCloud+ subscribers can create invitations, and anyone can RSVP, regardless of whether they have an Apple Account or Apple device.
“With Apple Invites, an event comes to life from the moment the invitation is created, and users can share lasting memories even after they get together,” said Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple’s senior director of Worldwide Product Marketing for Apps and iCloud. “Apple Invites brings together capabilities our users already know and love across iPhone, iCloud, and Apple Music, making it easy to plan special events.”
To get started with Apple Invites, users can choose an image from their photo library or the app’s gallery of backgrounds — a curated collection of images representing different occasions and event themes. Integrations with Maps and Weather give guests directions to the event and the forecast for that day.
Additionally, participants can easily contribute photos and videos to a dedicated Shared Album within each invite to help preserve memories and relive the event. Collaborative playlists allow Apple Music subscribers to create a curated event soundtrack that guests can access right from Apple Invites.
With Apple Intelligence, creating unique event invitations is easy. Users can tap into the built-in Image Playground experience to produce original images using concepts, descriptions, and people from their photo library. When composing invitations, users can use Writing Tools to help find just the right turn of phrase to meet the moment.
Hosts get full control of their invite experience: They can easily view and manage their events, share invitations with a link, review RSVPs, and choose the details they want included in the preview, like the event background or a home address. Guests can view and respond to an invitation using the new iPhone app or on the web without needing an iCloud+ subscription or an Apple Account. Attendees control how their details show up to others, and have the ability to leave or report an event at any time.
In addition to event creation in Apple Invites, iCloud+ subscribers have access to many more premium features:
- Expanded storage allows users to keep large libraries of original, high-resolution photos, videos, and files safe in iCloud, and easily accessible across all of their devices and the web.
- Private Relay keeps browsing in Safari entirely private from network providers, websites, and even Apple.
- Hide My Email generates unique, random email addresses whenever needed.
- HomeKit Secure Video allows users to capture and review home security footage in an end-to-end encrypted format.
- Custom email domains enable users to personalize their iCloud email addresses.
- Family Sharing allows users to share their iCloud+ subscription with up to five people at no extra cost.
Apple Invites is available today as a free download from the App Store for all iPhone models running iOS 18 or later.
Apps
Elgato Launches Wave Link 2.0

Elgato has unveiled Wave Link 2.0, the next-generation evolution of its acclaimed audio management software, packed with groundbreaking features and significant quality-of-life upgrades. Designed to address the challenges content creators, streamers, and digital professionals face, Wave Link 2.0 introduces tools like Voice Focus and One-Click Audio Routing, setting a new standard for audio control and customisation.
One of the standout features of Wave Link 2.0 is Voice Focus, a cutting-edge vocal enhancement tool developed in collaboration with ai|coustics. Leveraging advanced machine learning technology, Voice Focus eliminates unwanted background noise, room reverb, and echo while isolating the user’s voice for crystal-clear audio. This tool is a game-changer for creators working in less-than-ideal acoustic environments, delivering professional-grade sound quality in seconds—without the need for complex audio configurations. Whether streaming, podcasting, or participating in virtual meetings, Voice Focus ensures users sound polished and professional, even in spaces with poor acoustics. It’s an ideal solution for those who lack the time or expertise to fine-tune audio settings manually.
Wave Link 2.0 also introduces One-Click Audio Routing, a feature that revolutionises how users manage multiple audio channels. With just a single click, users can assign apps to specific channels, streamlining setup while maintaining flexibility. Additional enhancements like App Grouping, Input Channel Renaming, and Channel Hiding further improve organisation and usability, allowing creators to focus on their content rather than troubleshooting their audio setup.
These updates make Wave Link 2.0 an intuitive and efficient tool for managing complex audio workflows, ensuring a seamless experience for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Wave Link 2.0 doesn’t stop at routing and vocal enhancements—it also offers a suite of professional-grade audio effects. Built-in tools like Compressor, De-Esser, Equaliser, and ReverbFX enable precise audio tuning, while support for third-party VST2, VST3, and AU plugins opens up endless possibilities for sonic customisation.
For creators seeking ready-made solutions, the Elgato Marketplace provides a growing library of digital assets, including presets and tools from top creators like EposVox and Harris Heller. Once effects are applied, the built-in Sound Check tool allows users to preview their settings and make final adjustments, ensuring their audio is polished before going live.
As part of the Elgato ecosystem, Wave Link 2.0 integrates seamlessly with Stream Deck, taking audio control to the next level. Users can export their Wave Link settings to Stream Deck with a single click, transforming the device into a hardware mixer-like interface. This integration eliminates the need to navigate software during critical moments, allowing creators to stay focused on their content and audience.
With its innovative features and user-centric design, Wave Link 2.0 redefines what’s possible in audio management. From Voice Focus’s studio-quality vocal enhancements to One-Click Audio Routing’s streamlined setup, Elgato continues to empower creators and professionals with tools that elevate their craft. Wave Link 2.0 is now available, offering a transformative audio experience for anyone looking to achieve exceptional sound quality with ease. Whether you’re a streamer, podcaster, or digital professional, Wave Link 2.0 is poised to become an essential part of your creative toolkit.
Apps
Meta AI Officially Launches in the MENA Region

Meta has announced the expansion of its AI assistant, Meta AI, to the Middle East and North Africa, empowering users in the region with a tool to learn, create and connect to the things and people they care about most. The feature is gradually rolling out across the region, with full accessibility already available in key markets including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, and Iraq.
Conveniently located across Meta’s family of apps – Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger – Meta AI is easily accessible through its blue circle icon within Meta’s apps and requires no prior registration. It can also be used in group chats by simply typing ‘@Meta AI,’ making it ideal for quick research, brainstorming, and planning with friends. For instance, users planning a spring trip with their families and seeking ideas for island destinations within a maximum six-hour flight from the UAE can simply mention @Meta AI in the group chat, and it will provide a tailored list of suggestions in real time for the group to discuss.
Meta AI is built with state-of-the-art Llama 3.2, Meta’s largest and most capable open-source large language model, and has the capabilities to generate text and create and animate images directly within Meta apps. Users can explore Meta AI’s image-generation Imagine feature by simply typing “Imagine” followed by a detailed description of the image they want to create. For example, typing “Imagine a tiger wearing a vest drinking tea at a café” prompts Meta AI to generate the image in real-time, with the option to animate it. The expansion also introduces support for Arabic, making Meta AI accessible to even more people across the region.
“Meta AI is one of the world’s leading AI assistants already on your phone, in your pocket for free. Combining accessibility with cutting-edge technology, it serves as a gateway to a smarter, more connected life for millions of users in the MENA region. We believe that having a reliable assistant will be one of the defining benefits of this generation of AI. With Meta AI on track to become the most used AI assistant in the world by the end of the year, we’re excited to bring its transformative potential to communities across the region,” says Fares Akkad, Regional Director for Middle East and Africa at Meta.
To celebrate the arrival of Meta AI in the Middle East and North Africa, Meta is launching “Elevating Every Moment”—a content series designed to help users unlock the full potential of Meta AI. Through helpful tips, practical use cases, and deep dives, the series will feature collaborations with regional creators on Instagram. Additionally, Meta will roll out an educational series on its official Meta Arabia page, offering guidance on crafting effective prompts to assist with everyday tasks, whether professional or personal.
“We’re seeing people use Meta AI to dive deep into projects that spark their interest, get help with how-to tasks, and use the assistant for guidance on things like art projects, home decor, outfit inspiration, and more. Image generation has been especially popular and I’m excited to see how people in our region will find new, creative ways to make the most of what AI can offer,” said Akkad.
Meta AI is designed to be intuitive, offering a wealth of opportunities to enhance daily life. Following this gradual rollout, users in the region can look forward to more visionary and advanced multimodal features on the horizon. These include simultaneous dubbing for Reels content, real-life image editing, and the “Imagine Me” feature, which generates personalized portraits that can be edited in real-time. Additionally, Meta AI will soon integrate advanced tools to help users craft captions for their posts, making creativity and connection easier than ever.
Meta AI claims it is on track to become the world’s most-used AI assistant by the end of the year, with nearly 700 million active monthly users and availability in 42 countries and 13 languages.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login