In order to address the privacy and security concerns directly affecting users, the video conferencing app made security enhancements and implemented the Galois/Counter Mode (GCM) encryption to ensure a safer space for its users.

Now users are being advised to update the app, and required to be on version 5.0 or higher before the 30th of May, this is because, on that day, GCM encryption between Zoom Rooms controllers and Zoom Rooms will be enabled system-wide and it will become compulsory for all meetings. Zoom will cut over all accounts to GCM encryption. This means that Zoom clients that do not have the recommended version 5.0 or higher will stop functioning.

This update will bring a new green encryption shield icon that will be visible in the upper left of the meeting window to indicate that enhanced GCM encryption is enabled which, points to the fact the video/audio call is encrypted and going through secure channel. If an older client attempts to join a GCM meeting, the user will be prompted for confirmation before upgrading. Some versions will offer users the option to join via Web and do the client upgrade later.

According to Zoom blog, the update has some other upcoming enhancements including displaying non-video participants via their avatar by default and turning off call history by default.

So, what exactly is GCM encryption? Click to find out.