Just further to my post about looking at Zoom alternatives...I did test Webex and Teams for my situation. I actual prefer the interface of Webex to Zoom (Teams...ugh), BUT...neither had anything near the image quality of Zoom. Please - I beg thee, InterWebbers - resist the urge to chime in with how Webex or Software X with your homemade webcam was as clear as a crystal mountain stream for you and earnestly explain how I'm wrong and must be disabused of my notions. I am only commenting on my specific usage scenario: a weekly family meeting connecting about 15 users in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
In side-by-side comparison the Zoom video quality was markedly, noticeable clearer. I wish I could say it was even close, as I was keen to use Webex for the unlimited call time on the free tier. But I couldn't justify switching everyone over to a surprisingly inferior user experience. I don't know what Zoom uses for their special sauce to squeeze the resolution they do, but there it is. YMMV, as it is said.
As to the security concerns, I have tried to mitigate them slightly by enabling the Waiting Room function, and I see that Zoom has enabled password protection by default which I was already using.
From the media it seems most of the security concerns seem to stem from improper configuration of the service, or lack of understanding that the password is hashed as part of the sign-in link and then sharing it widely on their social media (!!) with the predictable result of Zoom-bombing. Can't really blame that on the company.
If one was truly paranoid about their communication I would suggest something like Signal, but any of these video conferencing platforms represent compromise. Alas my family chats would be more painfully boring than prurient for anyone eavesdropping, so for now I'm sticking with Zoom.
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