ZoomAudioDevice showing in software settings even if Zoom is not running - security concern ?

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ZoomAudioDevice showing in software settings even if Zoom is not running - security concern ?

On Catalina (up to date 10.15.4), with latest version of Zoom (5.0.1 build 23508.0430), AFTER I just restarted my iMac, I can see ZoomAudioDevice as a microphone of Quicktime or Hangouts or Audacity audio software.

I do not see zoom in System Preferences.

Another Zoom weirdness or a real security problem ?

Since I use it, Zoom is approved in Catalina security preferences.

But it should not show up in other Mac software.

I reported that Zoom 2 weeks ago.when I saw that with zoom 4.

Posted on May 10, 2020 6:43 AM

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Answer 1

dialabrain

Level 10

135,383 points

May 10, 2020 7:14 AM in response to gilles148

Yes, I understood that. the ZoomAudioDevice may run in the background all the time. Check Activity Monitor. I have Boom3D set so it doesn't run all the time. It doesn't sound like a concern. But again, ask Zoom support.

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Answer 2

gilles148 Author

Level 1

9 points

May 10, 2020 7:06 AM in response to dialabrain

ZoomAudioDevice is a virtual software device, not a physical one. That's probable why it is not displayed in System Preferences. It just feels weird, but maybe it's not a security issue. I thought it would be normal to show up when Zoom is running. Not all the time. That tells me the Zoom implementation as something wrong. Or Catalina ?

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Answer 3

gilles148 Author

Level 1

9 points

May 10, 2020 7:23 AM in response to dialabrain

Thanks.

Nothing in Activity Monitor. Even if I select this "device" in Quicktime and record myself. No sound recorded.

So I think you're right, it doesn't seem to be a security issue.

I already reported that to Zoom. You might want to close the topic or let other folks reply, just in cas we are missing something.

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Answer 4

dialabrain

Level 10

135,383 points

May 10, 2020 7:25 AM in response to gilles148

You're welcome.

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Answer 5

dialabrain

Level 10

135,383 points

May 10, 2020 7:03 AM in response to gilles148

I doubt it's a security risk. I don't have Zoom installed but any input audio device would normally show up in QuickTime, Audacity, etc. I only have one, which shows in both. I'm not sure why Zoom doesn't show in System Preferences > Sound > Input. Perhaps by design. You could ask the Zoom folks.

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ZoomAudioDevice showing in software settings even if Zoom is not running - security concern ?

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