An Overview of Federal VTC Compliance

Our team of experts understands the complexities of federal mandates and regulations surrounding VTC security, and we’re committed to helping you achieve compliance while safeguarding your agency’s communications

In today’s digital age, video teleconferencing has become an essential tool for communication and collaboration, especially in remote work environments. However, with the convenience of virtual meetings comes the challenge of ensuring security and protecting sensitive information from potential threats. As Federal organizations increasingly rely on virtual platforms to conduct meetings, it’s crucial to address federal guidelines associated with video teleconferencing. Here are the most relevant federal mandates in place to ensure the security of video telecommunications in federal workspaces. These mandates primarily focus on protecting sensitive information, maintaining confidentiality, and mitigating cybersecurity risks. 

1. Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA): FISMA requires federal agencies to develop, implement, and maintain information security programs to protect federal information and information systems. This includes securing video telecommunications systems and ensuring compliance with established security standards and guidelines.
2. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Guidelines: NIST provides comprehensive cybersecurity guidelines and standards that federal agencies must adhere to when securing video telecommunications systems. NIST Special Publication 800-53 provides a catalog of security controls for federal information systems and organizations, including controls specific to video telecommunications security.
3. Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP): FedRAMP establishes security standards for cloud services used by federal agencies, including cloud-based video telecommunications platforms. Federal agencies must ensure that cloud services meet FedRAMP security requirements before procuring and using them for government operations.
4. Telework Enhancement Act: The Telework Enhancement Act requires federal agencies to establish policies and procedures for telework programs, including the use of video telecommunications for remote work. Agencies must ensure that telework arrangements comply with security requirements and protect sensitive information transmitted over video telecommunications systems.
5. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Directives: DHS issues directives and guidance to federal agencies on cybersecurity best practices, including securing video telecommunications systems. Agencies must follow DHS directives and incorporate them into their cybersecurity programs to enhance the security of video telecommunications in federal workspaces.

Federal agencies must comply with these mandates and guidelines to ensure the security of video telecommunications in federal workspaces, protect sensitive information, and mitigate cybersecurity risks effectively. Compliance with these requirements helps safeguard government operations, maintain public trust, and protect national security interests.

What are the risks?

One of the primary concerns surrounding video teleconferencing is the risk of unauthorized access to meetings, leading to breaches of privacy and confidentiality. Incidents of unauthorized access, where uninvited individuals disrupt meetings with inappropriate content or malicious intent, have raised awareness about the vulnerability of virtual meetings to external threats. Additionally, the potential for eavesdropping and data interception poses a significant security risk, particularly when discussing sensitive information or proprietary data during meetings.

The proliferation of video teleconferencing platforms has attracted the attention of cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to corporate networks. From phishing attacks disguised as meeting invitations to malware injections targeting users’ devices, the threat landscape surrounding virtual meetings is evolving and increasingly sophisticated. Without proper security measures in place, organizations risk exposing confidential information and compromising the integrity of their communications.

Best Practices for Ensuring Security:

Each of these federal mandates have their own set of specifications, but here are some general best-practices that should be implemented to secure virtual meetings:  

1. Encryption: Ensure that the video teleconferencing platform you use employs end-to-end encryption to protect data transmitted during meetings. Encryption safeguards against unauthorized interception and ensures the confidentiality of communications.
2. Access Controls: Implement strict access controls to limit participation in virtual meetings to authorized individuals only. Utilize features such as password protection, waiting rooms, and participant authentication to prevent unauthorized access to critical meetings and information.
3. Secure Authentication: Require participants to authenticate their identities using multi-factor authentication (MFA) or other secure authentication methods before joining meetings. This helps verify the identity of attendees and prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing sensitive information.
4. Update Software: Keep video teleconferencing software and applications up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. Regularly installing software updates helps address known vulnerabilities and strengthens the security posture of virtual meeting platforms.
5. Educate Users: Provide training and awareness programs to educate users about the importance of security in virtual meetings. Raise awareness about common security threats, such as phishing attacks and malware, and encourage users to exercise caution when sharing sensitive information during meetings.
6. Data Privacy: Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and guidelines when hosting virtual meetings, particularly when discussing sensitive or personal information. Implement policies and procedures to safeguard data privacy and adhere to regulatory requirements.

By implementing these best practices, federal agencies can begin to enhance the security of their virtual meetings and protect sensitive information from potential threats. Securing virtual meetings is essential for maintaining the trust and confidentiality of communications in an increasingly digital and remote work environment.

Wildflower specializes in implementing comprehensive VTC security solutions tailored to the unique needs of federal agencies. Our team of experts understands the complexities of federal mandates and regulations surrounding VTC security, and we’re committed to helping you achieve compliance while safeguarding your agency’s communications. 

Contact Wildflower to schedule a consultation and explore how we can help you implement the most up-to-date security controls, protect your agency’s sensitive information and ensure compliance with federal mandates.