Google Meet VS Zoom: Security & Features

In our last blog, we examined the price differentials of using Google Meet Vs Zoom for business video conferencing. This week we take a deep dive into the security questions and features that can be used on each platform.  There is no doubt that these two platforms have become an integral part of remote working since March. Businesses have come to depend on the reliable and efficient way to connect with employees, clients, and vendors in a way that still allows for some level of face-to-face interaction. Business leaders and managers will want to be able to access some fun features that enhance meetings as well as be aware of the security protocols that are protecting these sometimes sensitive conference calls. 

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Security Issues 

We have probably all heard of some of the security lapses of Zoom security protocols in the last five months. One such phenomenon is called Zoombombing. This is when an uninvited person joins a Zoom meeting and interrupts a private call by using foul language, inappropriate images, or offensive slurs. For the most part this was done as a prank by younger users hoping for a good laugh. Unfortunately, these Zoombombings shed light on some serious security lapses that have, for the most part, been rectified by Zoom. In April of this year, the company announced some safety features that could improve security would be enabled by default. According to Gadgets 360 online, Google Meet has numerous security features that counteract interruptions and concerns that are frequently addressed with Zoom calls. For example, Google Meet supports multiple 2-step verification options for user accounts and adheres to IETF security standards for Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) and Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP). Meet also generates a unique encryption key that only exists as long as the meeting runs and is transmitted in an encrypted and secured RPC (remote procedure call) when the meeting is set up. In contrast, Zoom uses the AES 256-bit GCM encryption standard that is touted to be enabled across all accounts by May 30. 

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Features 

When comparing the two platforms’ additional features, it is important to note that they are incredibly similar in most aspects of virtual meeting. For example, both allow for availability through multiple devices like laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. Both also provide the ability to share your screen with attendees of your virtual meeting. The two programs do diverge however when it comes to number of participants, backgrounds available, recordings, and interactions. Google Meet can accommodate up to 250 participants, while Zoom can host up to 1,000 participants depending on the licensing. That means if your business needs a large platform and ability to reach a huge audience, Zoom may be the way to go. For more simple meetings, Google Meet is easy-to-use, reliable and universally understood.  When it comes to backgrounds that are fun like beaches, volcanoes, and even a jail, Zoom wins hands down. It all depends on what kind of elaborate background you require for your meeting.  Currently, Google Meet has no backgrounds.  Recordings are another aspect of virtual meetings that many employers value. The ability to playback a conference call can be invaluable and allow for details to be reviewed. Zoom allows you to record meetings in MP4 (video) and M4A (audio) formats that you can store locally on your system. This is unlike Google Meet that doesn't allow recording of virtual meetings for free users. However, if you're a paid G Suite Enterprise or G Suite Enterprise for Education editions, you can record meetings seamlessly. Other unique interactions that may be attractive to your company are Raise Hand and Emoji Response features by Zoom that Google Meet lacks or integration of meetings with other teams using Skype for Business, and other video meeting systems based on the SIP and H.323 standards that Google Meet allows.  Need help deciding which plan is right for your company? Let our team at Spectra help you determine the features, cost, and security your business requires for virtual meetings.