Google is updating the client for Google Meet to allow external participants, including those without Google accounts, to join encrypted calls.
See also: Companion Mode: The new Google Meet feature for mobile
Client-side encryption ensures that only the people in the meeting have access to the data provided through the application.
Google Meet is part of the Google Workspace and provides users with secure video meetings and calls over the internet. The app has over five billion downloads on Google Play.
Although Google had already implemented client-side encryption in Meet, the app lacked the option for external users to join secure encrypted calls.
“Meet already encrypts all of your data in transit between our facilities. Client-side encryption gives users direct control over their encryption keys and the identity service they choose to check for those keys,” said in a statement.
See also: Google Pixel: Switch from voice to video call with one-tap
Google this week began rolling out client-side encryption updates for Workspace customers with Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, and Education Plus licenses.
To enable the feature, administrators must update IdP/KACLS configurations to open access to external participants and specify third-party identity providers that can be used to join the meeting.
External users invited to an encrypted Google Meet conference must first verify their identity using a method supported by the third-party identity provider (IdP) configured by the meeting administrator.
Supported methods include using an existing Google or Microsoft, as well as a one-time password provided via SMS or email.
Additional details about client-side encryption in Google Meet (CSE) are available here. Administrators can follow these instructions to provide external participants with access to client-side encrypted content.
See also: Distribution of trojans via fake Google Meet, Zoom, Skype sites
Encryption is crucial for privacy and security, as it protects data from breaches. With encryption, personal data and information are converted into unintelligible text that can only be decrypted using a special digital key. Encryption, as in the case of Google Meet, allows for the secure transmission of information over the internet, protecting data from monitoring or interference by third parties. This is particularly important for protecting privacy when communicating via encrypted calls. In addition, encryption plays a central role in the security of online transactions, such as the payment process in an online store. Without encryption, credit card information could be compromised and used illegally.
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Source: bleepingcomputer
