Top 5 private video conferencing tools for maximum communication security

Welcome to the new frontier of digital communication: secure private video conferencing.

In a world where our most crucial conversations happen online, privacy is a necessity. The days of choosing a video conferencing tool based solely on picture quality or ease of use are over.

This blog post is your crash course in private video conferencing. We're cutting through the jargon and hype to bring you the hard facts on the tools that keep your conversations locked down tight.

Are you ready to make your online meetings as secure as a bank vault? Let's get started.

TL;DR

Zoom: a go-to platform for both personal and professional video conferencing due to its user-friendly interface, robust features, and widespread adoption.

Google Meet: a convenient choice for businesses and individuals already invested in the Google ecosystem, with solid security features and ease of use.

Jitsi: offers a high level of transparency and customization options, appealing to privacy-conscious users and companies looking for a self-hosted video conferencing solution without compromising on features.

Zoho Meeting: a comprehensive video conferencing solution with a focus on integration and collaboration features, making it particularly attractive for small to medium-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one platform.

Webex Meet: a feature-rich, enterprise-grade video conferencing solution from Cisco, known for its strong security measures, popular among large corporations and organizations with complex communication needs.

What is private video conferencing?

Private video conferencing refers to a secure and confidential form of real-time audio-visual communication conducted over the internet. By default, participants can see and hear each other while sharing information, without the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.

To ensure secure conferencing, specialized software or platforms must be used to ensure that the content, participants, and data shared during the conference remain protected and accessible only to intended users.

Here’s what a secure video conferencing platform must address so that it can actually be considered secure:

• Encryption: a secure video chat must apply advanced encryption protocols to scramble data during transmission and storage, making it unreadable to potential interceptors.
• Access control: implementing strict authentication methods is critical for secure video meetings. Passwords, PINs, multi-factor authentication and other mechanisms must be put in place to ensure only authorized participants can join the conference.
• Privacy features: incorporating features like virtual waiting rooms, host controls, and participant management to prevent unauthorized access and maintain control over the meeting environment are essential for a secure video call.
• Secure data handling: the software in use must ensure that any data shared or recorded during the video conference is stored securely and in compliance with relevant data protection regulations.
• End-to-end encryption: in some cases, implementing end-to-end encryption where even the service provider cannot access the content of the communication.
• Compliance: adherence to industry standards and regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, or CCPA, depending on the sector and geographical location.

Why are secure online meeting platforms essential in any workplace?

Secure online meeting platforms protect both the business and its stakeholders, ensuring a safe and efficient work environment. More specifically, they’re essential for the following reasons:

• Protection of sensitive information: in business, healthcare, legal, and other professional settings, discussions often involve confidential information that, if leaked, could lead to significant damage - be it financial, reputational and/or legal.
• Protection against cyber threats: as cyber attacks become more sophisticated, secure video conferencing provides a defense against various forms of digital eavesdropping and data theft.
• Maintaining trust: clients, employees, partners, stakeholders - all of them, expect their communications to be private. Secure video conferencing is essential to maintain this trust.
• Compliance with regulations: many industries are subject to strict data protection regulations. Secure video conferencing helps businesses meet these compliance requirements.
• Prevention of corporate espionage: in competitive business environments, secure conferencing prevents valuable information from falling into the hands of competitors.

A quick comparison of key features

Our detailed comparison looks at 5 leading private video conferencing tools: Zoom, Google Meet, Jitsi Meet, Zoho Meeting and Webex meet. Here’s a quick overview of the key properties:

Note that features and compliance can change over time, so it's always best to check the most current information from the official sources for these platforms.

Zoom - popular, feature-rich video conferencing platform for businesses and individuals

Zoom has become a household name in video conferencing, especially since the onset of the global pandemic. Developed by Zoom Video Communications, this versatile secure video conferencing platform has rapidly evolved to meet the growing demands of remote work, online education, and virtual socializing.

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Pros: robust features, scalability, ease of use, wide compatibility, customizable virtual backgrounds

Zoom employs end-to-end encryption for all meetings, providing a secure environment for sensitive discussions. The platform also offers features like waiting rooms, password protection, and host controls for secure video meetings.

One of Zoom's standout features is its scalability. From one-on-one secure video calls to webinars with thousands of attendees, Zoom can accommodate a wide range of meeting sizes and types. This flexibility makes it suitable for businesses of all sizes and various use cases.

The secure video conferencing platform is known for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. Joining a Zoom meeting is typically a straightforward process, requiring just a click on a link or entering a meeting ID.

Zoom offers a rich set of features including high-quality video and audio, screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms, and in-meeting secure video chat. Its gallery view, which can display up to 49 participants simultaneously, has become iconic for large group meetings.

The platform's wide compatibility across devices and operating systems ensures that participants can join from virtually anywhere, using computers, tablets, or smartphones.

Cons: past security concerns, some advanced features require paid plans

• While Zoom has significantly improved its security, past concerns about "Zoombombing" and data privacy have left some users cautious.
• Zoom offers a robust free tier, but some advanced features like longer group meetings, cloud recording, and company branding are only available in paid plans.

Best use cases: business meetings, webinars, online education, virtual events, telemedicine

• Zoom excels in a wide range of scenarios, from small team meetings to large-scale virtual events. Its reliability and feature set make it a top choice for businesses conducting regular video conferences, client meetings, or company-wide town halls.
• The platform's webinar capabilities make it ideal for hosting large online events, product launches, or educational seminars. Its breakout room feature is particularly useful for workshops or training sessions that require small group discussions.
• In the education sector, Zoom has become a go-to solution for online classes, from K-12 to higher education. Its features like hand raising, polls, and screen sharing enhance the virtual learning experience.
• Zoom's HD video capabilities and HIPAA compliance also make it a strong contender in the telemedicine field, allowing healthcare providers to conduct virtual consultations securely.
• For personal use, Zoom's ease of use and free tier make it popular for virtual social gatherings, from family reunions to book clubs and hobby groups.

Google Meet - secure, user-friendly video conferencing solution for businesses and individuals

Google Meet, formerly known as Google Hangouts, is a powerful video conferencing platform developed by tech giant Google. As part of the Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) ecosystem, Meet has quickly become a go-to solution for businesses and individuals seeking a reliable, easy-to-use encrypted video conferencing tool.

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Pros: seamless integration with Google Workspace, user-friendly interface, no software installation required, robust security features

Google Meet employs industry-standard encrypted video conferencing for all calls, ensuring that your conversations remain private and secure. All data is encrypted in transit, and the platform offers additional security features like anti-abuse measures and meeting controls.

One of Meet's standout features is its seamless integration with other Google Workspace apps, such as Calendar, Gmail, and Drive. This integration allows for easy scheduling, joining, and sharing of resources during video calls, enhancing overall productivity.

The secure video conferencing platform boasts a clean, intuitive interface that's accessible to users of all technical levels. With no software installation required, participants can join secure video meetings directly from their web browsers, making it incredibly convenient for both hosts and attendees.

Google Meet supports high-quality video and audio calls, screen sharing, real-time captions, and breakout rooms. Its adaptive layouts and low-light mode ensure a good user experience across different devices and environments.

Cons: some advanced features limited to paid plans, reliance on the Google ecosystem

• While Google Meet offers a robust free tier, some advanced features like larger participant limits, meeting recordings, and detailed reports are only available in paid Google Workspace plans.
• The platform's deep integration with Google's ecosystem, while beneficial for many, might be a drawback for businesses heavily invested in other productivity suites.

Best use cases: business meetings, remote team collaboration, online education, webinars

• Google Meet is particularly well-suited for businesses already using Google Workspace, as it provides a seamless video conferencing solution within their existing workflow. It's an excellent choice for businesses looking for a reliable, secure, and easy-to-use platform for both internal and external communications.
• As a secure video conferencing platform, Google Meet shines in scenarios where quick setup and ease of use are priorities. It's ideal for impromptu team meetings, client calls, or large-scale webinars. Its accessibility across devices makes it perfect for remote teams and companies with a bring-your-own-device policy, or those working with a large number of external contractors.
• Google Meet's features like breakout rooms and hand raising make it a strong contender for educational institutions conducting online classes or training sessions. Its simplicity and reliability also make it a great option for personal use, such as virtual family gatherings or catch-ups with friends.

Jitsi Meet - open-source, privacy-focused video conferencing solution for secure conferencing

Jitsi is a collection of free and open-source multiplatform voice, video conferencing, and instant messaging applications. Developed by 8x8, Inc., Jitsi stands out in the crowded video conferencing market for its strong commitment to privacy and security, as well as its flexibility and customizability.

Pros: open-source, end-to-end encryption, no account required, self-hosting option, highly customizable

Jitsi employs end-to-end encrypted video conferencing by default, ensuring that conversations remain private and secure. As an open-source platform, its code is publicly available for scrutiny, which enhances trust in its security measures.

One of Jitsi's standout features is its commitment to user privacy. No account or registration is required to use the platform, and it doesn't track user data. Users can simply create or join a meeting with a unique link.

The platform offers a self-hosting option, allowing businesses to deploy Jitsi on their own servers for complete control over their data and infrastructure. This feature is particularly appealing to businesses with strict data sovereignty requirements.

Jitsi provides a rich set of features including high-quality video and audio, screen sharing, public and secure video chat, and the ability to livestream to YouTube. Its interface is clean and intuitive, making it accessible to users of various technical backgrounds.

The open-source nature of Jitsi makes it highly customizable. Businesses can modify the code to suit their specific needs, integrate it into their existing systems, or even build their own applications on top of it.

Cons: less polished UI compared to some commercial alternatives, limited scalability for very large meetings, fewer integrations out-of-the-box

• While functional, Jitsi's user interface may feel less polished compared to some commercial alternatives, which might impact the user experience for those accustomed to sleeker designs.
• While Jitsi can handle reasonably large meetings, it may struggle with very large-scale events compared to some enterprise-focused platforms.
• Out-of-the-box, Jitsi offers fewer integrations with third-party apps compared to some commercial alternatives, though its open-source nature allows for custom integrations.

Best use cases: privacy-focused companies, educational institutions, small to medium businesses, open-source enthusiasts

• Jitsi is particularly well-suited for businesses that prioritize privacy and data control. Its open-source nature and self-hosting option make it an excellent choice for businesses in regulated industries or those with strict data protection requirements.
• Educational institutions, especially those advocating for open-source solutions, can benefit from Jitsi's free and flexible platform for online classes and collaboration.
• Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a cost-effective, secure, and customizable video conferencing solution will find Jitsi appealing. Its feature set covers most standard video conferencing needs without the overhead of complex pricing tiers.
• Open-source enthusiasts and developers will appreciate Jitsi's transparency and the ability to modify and extend the platform to suit specific needs.
• Jitsi's no-account-required feature makes it ideal for quick, ad-hoc meetings where participants may not have (or want to create) accounts on other platforms.
• For personal use, Jitsi offers a privacy-focused alternative to mainstream video chat apps, appealing to individuals who are conscious about their digital footprint and data privacy.

Zoho Meeting - secure, web-based video conferencing solution for businesses

Zoho Meeting is a comprehensive web conferencing and secure video conferencing platform developed by Zoho Corporation, a company known for its suite of business and productivity software. As part of the larger Zoho ecosystem, Meeting offers a streamlined, secure option for businesses seeking an integrated video conferencing solution.

Pros: seamless integration with Zoho suite, browser-based, affordable, strong security features, customizable branding

Zoho Meeting prioritizes security with end-to-end encryption for all meetings, ensuring that conversations and shared data remain private. The platform also offers features like password protection, waiting rooms, and host controls to enhance meeting security.

One of Zoho Meeting's standout features is its seamless integration with other Zoho applications, such as Zoho CRM, Projects, and Calendar. This integration allows for easy scheduling, participant management, and follow-ups, enhancing overall productivity for businesses already using the Zoho ecosystem.

The platform is entirely browser-based, requiring no software downloads for participants. This feature makes it incredibly convenient for both hosts and attendees, reducing friction in joining meetings and improving accessibility across different devices.

Zoho Meeting offers a clean, intuitive interface that's easy to navigate, even for users with limited technical expertise. Its simplicity doesn't compromise on essential features, providing screen sharing, recording, polls, and secure video chat functionality.

The platform allows for customizable branding, enabling businesses to add their logo and color scheme to the meeting interface and email invitations, which can help maintain a professional appearance in client-facing meetings.

Cons: fewer advanced features compared to some competitors, limited participant capacity in lower tiers, less name recognition

• While Zoho Meeting covers essential video conferencing needs, it may lack some advanced features found in more established secure online meeting platforms, such as virtual backgrounds or breakout rooms.
• The platform's participant capacity is more limited in its lower-tier plans compared to some competitors, which might be a consideration for businesses needing to host larger meetings or webinars.
• As a less widely known option in the video conferencing space, some clients or partners might be less familiar with Zoho Meeting compared to more popular alternatives.

Best use cases: small to medium businesses, customer demos, webinars, team collaboration within the Zoho ecosystem

• Zoho Meeting is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an affordable, secure, and easy-to-use video conferencing solution. Its straightforward interface and essential feature set cover most standard secure video meeting needs without overwhelming users with complex options.
• The platform shines in scenarios where businesses need to conduct professional client meetings or product demos. Its customizable branding feature allows companies to present a polished, consistent image in their online interactions.
• Zoho Meeting's webinar capabilities make it a strong choice for businesses looking to host online seminars, training sessions, or marketing events. Features like polls, Q&A, and attendee management enhance audience engagement in these larger-scale virtual gatherings.
• For businesses already using other Zoho applications, Zoho Meeting provides a natural extension to their existing workflow. The seamless integration with Zoho's suite of business tools can significantly streamline processes around scheduling, customer relationship management, and project collaboration.
• The platform's browser-based nature makes it ideal for businesses that prioritize ease of access and cross-platform compatibility, allowing participants to join meetings quickly from any device with a web browser.
• While suitable for personal use, Zoho Meeting is primarily designed with business needs in mind, making it an excellent choice for professional contexts where security, reliability, and integration with business tools are key priorities.

Cisco Webex - enterprise-grade video conferencing and collaboration platform

Cisco Webex is a comprehensive video conferencing and collaboration solution developed by tech giant Cisco Systems. Known for its robust security, scalability, and integration capabilities, Webex has long been a preferred choice for large enterprises and organizations with complex communication needs.

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Pros: enterprise-grade security, extensive integration capabilities, scalable, feature-rich, hardware compatibility

Webex employs industry-leading security measures, including end-to-end encrypted video conferencing, data loss prevention, and compliance with various regulatory standards (HIPAA, GDPR, etc.). This makes it a top choice for businesses handling sensitive information.

One of Webex's standout features is its extensive integration capabilities. It seamlessly connects with a wide array of business tools and productivity suites, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and various CRM systems, allowing for streamlined workflows.

The platform offers a rich set of features including high-quality video and audio, screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, noise removal, real-time translation, and AI-powered meeting assistance. Its Webex Assistant can take notes, create action items, and provide real-time meeting transcriptions.

Webex is highly scalable, capable of hosting everything from one-on-one calls to large-scale webinars with thousands of participants. This flexibility makes it suitable for businesses of all sizes and various use cases.

Cisco's long history in networking hardware means Webex is compatible with a wide range of devices and conference room systems, offering a seamless experience from personal devices to fully equipped meeting rooms.

Cons: can be complex for small businesses, higher price point, learning curve for full feature utilization

The extensive feature set and enterprise focus of Webex can be overwhelming for small businesses or those with simpler needs, potentially leading to underutilization of the platform.

Webex tends to be priced higher than some of its competitors, reflecting its enterprise-grade capabilities but potentially putting it out of reach for budget-conscious organizations.

While powerful, the platform's full feature set may require a learning curve, especially for businesses transitioning from simpler video conferencing solutions.

Best use cases: large enterprises, healthcare firms, educational institutions, government agencies, global teams

• Webex is particularly well-suited for large enterprises that require a secure, scalable, and feature-rich communication platform. Its ability to handle complex organizational structures and integrate with existing IT infrastructure makes it ideal for corporate environments.
• The platform's robust security features and compliance certifications make it an excellent choice for healthcare, financial institutions, and government agencies that handle sensitive information and require strict data protection.
• Educational institutions, especially large universities, can benefit from Webex's scalability and features like breakout rooms, polling, and virtual hand raising, which enhance the online learning experience.
• Global teams can leverage Webex's reliability, language support, and integration capabilities to facilitate seamless communication across different time zones and cultures.
• Webex's hardware compatibility and room system integration make it ideal for businesses looking to equip multiple office locations with consistent, high-quality video conferencing capabilities.

Should you invest in a custom private video conferencing tool?

You may wonder whether off-the-shelf solutions provide better security than custom-built ones. A well-designed and properly maintained custom solution can potentially be more secure, as it can be tailored to specific security needs and may have fewer attack vectors due to its private nature.

However, reputable off-the-shelf solutions often have robust security measures in place, benefit from continuous improvement, and have the resources to quickly address vulnerabilities. They may also comply with various security standards and certifications.

Ultimately, the security of a video conferencing tool depends more on its implementation and maintenance rather than whether it's custom or off-the-shelf. A bespoke software, however, can help you unlock some advantages you won’t have with ready-to-use options:

Enhanced security and privacy

This is one of the primary benefits you get with a custom private video conferencing tool. They give you greater control over data storage and transmission, allowing for customizable encrypted video conferencing protocols and reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. They also make it easier to comply with specific industry regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.

Customization and branding

Businesses can tailor the user interface to match their company branding with a custom secure video chat apps. This level of customization extends to integration with existing enterprise systems and workflows.

Greater scalability

Another key benefit - private video conferencing tools offer better control over server resources and bandwidth allocation, allowing organizations to handle large numbers of concurrent users without relying on third-party infrastructure. This makes it easier to scale up or down based on organizational needs.

Performance optimization

This is certainly more achievable with custom secure video call apps, as you can fine-tune video and audio quality for specific network conditions, reduce latency through optimized server locations, and have better control over resource allocation for improved performance when you decide to build a proprietary secure video meeting platform.

Advanced features

This is what custom development is all about! Advanced features are more readily implemented in custom-built secure video chat tools. Businesses can integrate specialized features tailored to specific industry needs, implement proprietary technologies or algorithms, and add unique collaboration tools or analytics.

Cost control

Cost control is another advantage, especially for large companies. While initial investment may be high, there's potential for long-term cost savings. There are no per-user licensing fees associated with off-the-shelf solutions, and costs are more predictable with a custom private video conferencing tool, especially in high-usage scenarios.

Compliance and regulatory adherence

Compliance and regulatory adherence are easier to achieve with custom secure video chat apps. They offer greater control over data residency and storage locations, and can implement customizable audit trails and logging for compliance purposes.

Custom integration capabilities

You have greater integration capabilities with custom secure video call apps. They offer seamless integration with existing enterprise software and systems, including proprietary or legacy systems. Custom API development for unique integration needs is also possible.

Support and maintenance

Support and maintenance can be more tailored with custom private video conferencing solutions. You can have dedicated support for their specific needs, faster issue resolution and feature requests, and greater control over update schedules and feature rollouts.

Data ownership and analytics

Data ownership and analytics are fully under your control with a custom private video call app. This includes ownership of all data generated during video conferences and the ability to perform advanced analytics on usage patterns and user behavior.

Reliability and uptime

reliability and uptime can be better managed with custom secure video chat. You have greater control over server infrastructure and redundancy, and can implement custom disaster recovery and business continuity measures.

Flexibility in deployment

Finally, custom private video conferencing tools offer more flexibility in deployment. You can choose between on-premises, cloud, or hybrid deployments, select specific cloud providers or data centers, and have greater control over network topology and routing.

While these advantages are significant, it's important to note that private video conferencing tools require substantial resources for development, maintenance, and ongoing support. You must carefully weigh these benefits against the costs and complexity of implementing and managing a private solution compared to using off-the-shelf options.

Are custom private video conferencing tools really more secure?

Custom private video conferencing tools can potentially be safer than off-the-shelf options, but this is not inherently guaranteed. The safety and security of a video conferencing system depend on various factors, including design, implementation, and ongoing management. Here are some potential safety advantages and experienced outsourcing partner could help you unlock:

• Tailored security measures: custom secure video chat tools can be designed with specific security requirements in mind, incorporating advanced encrypted video conferencing protocols and security features that align precisely with an organization's needs.
• Limited access: tailor-made secure video meeting solutions are typically used within a closed ecosystem, reducing exposure to external threats and limiting access to authorized users only.
• Control over data: organizations have full control over where data is stored, processed, and transmitted, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and internal policies.
• Reduced attack surface: custom private video conferencing tools can be built with only the necessary features, potentially reducing vulnerabilities associated with unused or unnecessary functionalities often present in off-the-shelf solutions.
• Obscurity: custom secure video chat solutions are less likely to be targeted by widespread attacks that exploit known vulnerabilities in popular off-the-shelf products.
• Rapid response: with direct control over the system, organizations can quickly address security issues, implement patches, or modify the system as new threats emerge.
• Integration with existing security infrastructure: custom private video conferencing tools can be designed to work seamlessly with an organization's existing security measures and protocols.

It’s critical to reiterate here, that while custom private video conferencing tools have the potential to be safer due to their tailored approach and controlled environment, this safety is not automatic. It depends heavily on the expertise of the development team, the robustness of the design, and your commitment to ongoing security management.

For many businesses, well-established off-the-shelf solutions with strong security track records might still be the safer choice, especially if they lack the resources or expertise to properly implement a custom private video conferencing solution. The decision should be based on a careful assessment of an organization's specific needs, resources, and risk profile.

When to opt for a custom private video conferencing tool?

A custom private video conferencing app becomes necessary or highly advantageous in a number of scenarios. If you operate in any of the following environments or face these challenges, a tailored secure video conferencing solution might be the perfect fit:

• In highly regulated industries: businesses in industries with strict regulatory requirements, such as healthcare (HIPAA compliance), finance (SEC regulations), or government agencies, may need a custom secure conferencing solution to ensure full compliance with data protection and privacy laws.
• In high-security environments: companies dealing with sensitive information, like defense contractors, intelligence agencies, or organizations handling trade secrets, may require custom apps with enhanced security features beyond what off-the-shelf solutions offer.
• With unique workflows: if your workflow is highly specialized and requires seamless integration with proprietary systems or databases, a custom encrypted video conferencing app can provide tailored functionality that off-the-shelf secure video call solutions can't match.‍
• When specific features are required: if you need very specific features or capabilities that aren't available in existing private video conferencing solutions, such as specialized collaboration tools, unique data visualization, or industry-specific functionalities, a custom secure video chat app might be necessary.‍
• When proprietary branding is required: for organizations where maintaining a consistent brand experience across all touchpoints is crucial, a custom secure video meeting app allows for complete control over the user interface and experience.‍
• With significant scalability needs: large enterprises with thousands of simultaneous users might require a custom private video conferencing solution to handle the scale efficiently and cost-effectively, especially if they need to optimize for specific network conditions or global locations.‍
• With data sovereignty requirements: businesses that must keep all data within specific geographic boundaries due to legal or policy requirements might need a custom secure conferencing solution to ensure complete control over data storage and transmission.‍
• With legacy system compatibility: businesses with legacy systems that are critical to their operations but incompatible with modern off-the-shelf solutions might need a custom app to ensure seamless integration.‍
• With AI and advanced analytics needs: if you want to incorporate advanced AI features or perform specialized analytics on meeting data, a custom secure conferencing solution might be necessary to implement these capabilities effectively.‍
• Complete data control: businesses that require absolute control over all aspects of their data for strategic or competitive reasons, a custom secure conferencing solution ensures no third-party has access to any communication data.

When considering a custom private video conferencing app, it's crucial to weigh the benefits against the significant investment in time, resources, and ongoing maintenance required. For many organizations, off-the-shelf solutions may still be sufficient, but in cases where security, compliance, unique functionality, or complete control are paramount, a custom solution could be the best path forward.

Need support with ensuring secure collaboration in your organization?

The choice between custom and off-the-shelf solutions should be based on your organization's specific needs, resources, and risk profile. For most organizations, a well-regarded off-the-shelf solution with strong security features will provide sufficient security while being more cost-effective. However, for organizations with highly specific security requirements or the resources to develop and maintain a custom solution, a private custom tool might be a better choice.

Ultimately, the most secure option is the one that is properly implemented, regularly updated, and used correctly by all participants.

If you have doubts about finding the perfect solution for your business, don't hesitate to reach out to us through this contact form and we’ll be happy to help you make the best possible choice for your needs.