CYBERSECURITY IN VIRTUAL GATHERINGS: RISKS AND REMEDIAL STRATEGIES FOR VIDEO CONFERENCING SOFTWARE

The increasing reliance on virtual gatherings, especially through video conferencing platforms, has introduced new cybersecurity vulnerabilities that threaten user privacy, data integrity, and organizational security. This study investigates the range of cybersecurity risks associated with popular video conferencing software, including unauthorized access, data breaches, phishing attacks, and software exploitation. Through an in-depth analysis of recent incidents and threat models, the research highlights critical system weaknesses and user behavior patterns contributing to security lapses. It also proposes a set of remedial strategies—ranging from end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication to user education and policy enforcement—to mitigate these risks. The study offers practical recommendations for developers, IT professionals, and end-users to ensure safer virtual communication environments.