Zoom has become an essential tool for many people during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for virtual meetings and gatherings. However, recent reports have revealed that Zoom’s Mac installation includes a secret web server that can potentially leave users vulnerable to hacking. In this article, we will discuss how to check if Zoom is running a secret web server on your Mac and how to remove it.
What is Zoom’s Secret Web Server?
Zoom’s Mac installation includes a web server that is designed to bypass the need for users to click a confirmation dialog box before joining a meeting. This web server can also reinstall Zoom if it is deleted from the user’s computer. While this may seem like a convenient feature, it also poses a security risk as it can potentially be exploited by hackers.
How to Check if Zoom is Running a Secret Web Server on Your Mac
To check if Zoom is running a secret web server on your Mac, follow these steps:
- Open the Terminal application on your Mac.
- Type in the command lsof -i :19421 and press Enter.
- If you see output that includes zoom.us or ZoomOpener, it means that Zoom is running a web server on your Mac.
How to Remove Zoom’s Secret Web Server from Your Mac
If you have confirmed that Zoom is running a secret web server on your Mac, you may want to remove it to ensure the security of your device. To do so, follow these steps:
- Open the Terminal application on your Mac.
- Type in the command sudo killall zoom.us and press Enter.
- Enter your password when prompted.
- Type in the command sudo rm -rf ~/.zoomus and press Enter.
- Enter your password when prompted.
Alternative Solution: Update Zoom
Alternatively, you can update your Zoom application to the latest version, which removes the secret web server from the Mac installation. To update Zoom, follow these steps:
- Open the Zoom application on your Mac.
- Click on the Zoom.us menu in the top left corner and select “Check for Updates.”
- If an update is available, click “Update” to install it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the potential security risks associated with Zoom’s Mac installation. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can check if Zoom is running a secret web server on your Mac and remove it to ensure the safety of your device. Alternatively, you can update Zoom to the latest version, which removes the web server from the installation. Stay safe and secure while using Zoom on your Mac!
