Zoom. (Photo: Shutterstock.com)

The office for New York Attorney General Letitia James says Zoom Video Communications has agreed to security measures after the office opened an investigation into the company's privacy practices.

James' office said the agreement comes as Silicon Valley-based Zoom has seen its usage skyrocket in recent months with people leaning on remote communications due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered social distancing requirements and widespread closures.

The surge in users revealed security flaws in Zoom's platform, according to James' office, and the company had an increase in the sensitivity of the data passing via their network. Some also reported their Zoom conferences were interrupted by uninvited people looking to disrupt the communication. Some of the disruptions sought to harass people for their race, gender or religion, according to James' office.

The agreement is the result of an investigation opened in March into the company's security and privacy practices.

James' office reports that the company agreed to "enhance its encryption protocols by encrypting users' information."

The company has also implemented a "risk-based penetration-testing program" designed to spot and assess any security vulnerabilities, according to a letter outlining the agreement. That includes at least one white box penetration test a year, the letter says.

"This agreement puts protections in place so that Zoom users have control over their privacy and security, and so that workplaces, schools, religious institutions, and consumers don't have to worry while participating in a video call," James said in a statement.

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