Introduction

There are a number of potential security issues that you need to be aware of when taking part in conference calls, such as who can hear your conversations, discussing sensitive information and which systems to use. Follow the points below to help minimise these risks.

Think about your surroundings

When making a conference or video call, you should:

• consider who can overhear your conversation, in both your location and the locations of the other meeting participants

• use a headset to reduce others overhearing

• don’t discuss personal and sensitive information unless in a totally private space and, even then, use discretion

• use a quiet location, with minimal background noise

• use a microphone, or a combined headset and microphone, to help to reduce any background noise being picked up

• think about what can be seen on your camera – consider adding a background blur or image. You can learn how to change your background on the Microsoft website.

Personal devices

You must not make work-related video conference calls, or send work-related text messages, including via Teams, on your own device. If you have a reason to use your own personal device, this must be approved by IT first to make sure you have the appropriate security in place. To request approval: