Many businesses have turned to internet-based video chat services like Zoom in an effort to work from home or attend classes online during the Covid-19 pandemic, but that has brought about a new hacking-related crime where people have disrupted meetings by hacking into the video chat.
The practice, called “Zoom-bombing” has caught the attention of U.S. Attorney Scott Brady and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who have issued a news release concerning the crime. Once a hacker breaks into the meeting, they will disrupt it with pornographic images, hate speech and/or threatening language. Not only have the attacks targeted work spaces and online classes, but they have also impacted meetings among religious communities, minority groups and vulnerable populations.
According to the news release, federal, state and local law enforcement are teaming up to help with the investigation and say that anyone who “zoom-bombs” could be charged with state or federal crimes, including disrupting a public meeting, computer intrusion, using a computer to commit a crime, hate crimes, fraud, or transmitting threatening communications. If more than one person is involved in the hacking, conspiracy charges can be added. All those crimes are punishable by fines and imprisonment.
Comments