New Zoom Security and Accessibility Features Now Available

Northwestern IT is pleased to introduce two new Zoom features immediately available—add an authentication exception and closed captioning with live transcription. These highly requested features in Zoom are offered as part of Northwestern’s continued commitment to providing secure and accessible services to the University community.  

New Security Option – Add an Authentication Exception

Requiring authentication has always been the most secure way to protect meetings with only Northwestern participants against Zoombombing. You can now also require authentication for meetings that include non-Northwestern participants by adding authentication exceptions.

To use this new security option when scheduling a meeting, check the box with "Require authentication to join: Northwestern users only" and then click the option to add an authentication exception. You can then enter your guest's email address to send an email invitation with a unique link to the meeting that allows them to bypass authentication. Please note, this feature is only available when scheduling or editing a meeting from the Zoom web interface. Learn more about how to use this feature.

New Accessibility Feature – Closed Captioning with Live Transcription

This new accessibility feature is now enabled in all users' Zoom settings. When hosting a meeting, you will now see a "CC Live Transcript" icon in the Zoom toolbar. To use automatic transcription in a meeting, click the icon. Please note, this feature requires Zoom version 5.0.2 or higher. Update to the latest version. Learn more about how to use this feature.

Anyone with questions or in need of assistance with these new features, should contact the Northwestern IT Service Desk at consultant@northwestern.edu or call 847-491-4357 (1-HELP).