Posted on Apr 27, 2020
Can I be ordered to install Zoom on my computer/phone?
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So, since the DoD has stated Zoom is a security issue and no longer use it; my unit still is. They want me to install Zoom on my personal devices (it's still a security threat) to attend a meeting. Can they force me to install it?
UPDATE: Just dialed in using the phone number provided (did not install anything). The briefer sent the slides out afterwards to everyone's .Mil emails. Thanks for all the help and guidance.
UPDATE: Just dialed in using the phone number provided (did not install anything). The briefer sent the slides out afterwards to everyone's .Mil emails. Thanks for all the help and guidance.
Software
Security
IT Specialist
Edited 6 y ago
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 11
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Honestly, if I were in a situation where it was ordered or "highly encouraged" to download the app to my phone, I would get a pre-paid phone. I would use it only for that. Why put your personal phone at risk?
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MAJ Bryan Zeski
TSgt (Join to see) - Don't go get another phone, you can't be forced or ordered to install anything on a personal device. If you have more detailed questions on what you can or should do, talk to JAG.
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Is Zoom still on the approved app list? Yes.
What you should be using is:
Zoom for Government
Microsoft Teams (for Government)
DCS
Webex
DISA Enterprise Audio Conferencing
Submit your recommendations for compliance, and hope for the best.
Pro tip: Rallypoint may fall under the guise of "social media", but it is still primarily a place where you can ask professionals for advice. Regardless of said advice, please save the "boomer" comments for Reddit.
What you should be using is:
Zoom for Government
Microsoft Teams (for Government)
DCS
Webex
DISA Enterprise Audio Conferencing
Submit your recommendations for compliance, and hope for the best.
Pro tip: Rallypoint may fall under the guise of "social media", but it is still primarily a place where you can ask professionals for advice. Regardless of said advice, please save the "boomer" comments for Reddit.
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MAJ Bryan Zeski
SGM Jeff Mccloud My understanding is that the military cannot require a person to install anything on a personal device - whether its on an approved list or not.
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SGM Jeff Mccloud
MAJ Bryan Zeski - True, however the military can require personnel to participate in a meeting or training, with the option to download an app or dial a number to participate, or report in person at the place of duty which would also require a very put out NCOIC to also be there, and sure make it seem like downloading the app would have been the smarter choice in hindsight.
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MAJ Bryan Zeski
SGM Jeff Mccloud True. They could. But in this present environment, a Commander would have to approve the mission-essential nature of the meeting. I would hope that that Commander would be prepared to explain the urgency of that meeting up the chain.
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Is your unit using "Zoom for Government"? DoD guidance still allows this service depending on what is discussed. Boomer out.
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CMSgt (Join to see)
DoD said they still allow Zoom for Government because it is more secure than the free or commercial versions. It sounds like DoD is taking a calculated risk until they can migrate to a more secure service/platform. Instructing work centers to install Zoom for Government on personal devices is...unorthodox to say the least. Your call. (no pun intended)
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1SG (Join to see)
CMSgt (Join to see) Chief, do you have a memo? The last thing I saw from our G-6 stated that DOD did not authorize it for ANY military use.
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CMSgt (Join to see)
At this point, I would simply follow organizational guidance with the caveat this seems to be a moving target.
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1) What is being discussed? if its higher than Unclassified NO
2) if its really important they should issue a phone
3) What is the units reimbursement policy for using your personal phone?
- using your personal Computer or Phone for business entitles you to write off costs on your taxes. I did both while I was still in the service.
4) is the Order Illegal, Immoral? ask a JAG or IG
2) if its really important they should issue a phone
3) What is the units reimbursement policy for using your personal phone?
- using your personal Computer or Phone for business entitles you to write off costs on your taxes. I did both while I was still in the service.
4) is the Order Illegal, Immoral? ask a JAG or IG
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TSgt (Join to see)
1) ACAs (feedback forms), so unclass
2) Not important, no impact on mission
3) Not sure, most likely there are none.
4) Sadly, the meeting is tomorrow morning and Legal is closed till COVID-19 is no longer in play
2) Not important, no impact on mission
3) Not sure, most likely there are none.
4) Sadly, the meeting is tomorrow morning and Legal is closed till COVID-19 is no longer in play
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SSG (Join to see)
There is always a SJA on call. You might have to call the MP/SP station to get the number but they are required to have an on call avalible
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Tell you unit that the DoD has paid for Microsoft Teams. It's better, more versatile, and more secure. You can download on your smartphone, personal computer, and from software Center onto your gov laptop.
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Funny, the dial in number and emailed slides (and DCO/DCS when its functional) was normal business every week for years before COVID. Not sure why so many were driven to switch to video-conference just for the current situation.
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I just got off a meeting with my Division Command and Zoom/ Zoom ffor Govt is not on the approved DOD list anymore. WebEx and a few others are still approved. So the answer is no, they cannot force you install software to your private hardware, no one can under any law. If they supplied you with a Govt laptop, then yes they can order you to do so.
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Instead of posting a new question, how about search as this topic has been discussed multiple times
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Isn't Zoom just a web app on the customer end? If so you may not need to install anything
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TSgt (Join to see)
Sir, when you log into the website and try and join into a VTC, it will try and have you install the software. Someone mentioned you can work around this by canceling the download and a link will show up on the site page taking you to a web interface. But have not tried it.
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TSgt (Join to see) I see vtgere is another issue I need to be one knowledgable if its' implications.
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PO3 Phyllis Maynard
TSgt (Join to see) I did not know anything about this Zoom technology. Thank you for your post I will research the issues and learn more about it. Misspelled words are tragic.
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