Build data protection into your support

Build data protection into your support

At Zoho, privacy is our principle. Every Zoho product is built with privacy as the foundation and the finishing touch, guiding every decision we make. Security, privacy, and compliance are woven into the software development lifecycle, starting from how we write our code, test, deliver, and maintain the features.
On this Data Protection Day, we want to share how Zoho Desk practices these principles every day.
  

Privacy standards during free trials

When you sign up for a Zoho Desk free trial, your data is handled in compliance with global privacy regulations. Privacy-by-design ensures that data collection, storage, and processing comply with data regulation from the very beginning.

Consent, transparency, and respect  

How does it feel when a support agent suddenly asks to “take control of your screen”?  
Zoho Desk avoids discomfort by ensuring explicit customer consent before any remote session or debugging activity begins. Customers are informed about how their data is analyzed and used, and support teams access only what is necessary to resolve the issue.

Not everyone needs to see everything   

As an admin, imagine sharing a ticket with an agent, only to realize later that it contained a customer’s card number or personal ID. Zoho Desk helps prevent such moments by allowing organizations to mask personally identifiable information (PII) such as credit card numbers, phone numbers, emails, and identity details. Sensitive fields are encrypted and visibility is restricted based on roles. This ensures that even while support is fast, privacy is never compromised.

Place data in the right hands  

Not every agent needs access to every detail. With role-based permissions in Zoho Desk, organizations can control who sees what across layouts, fields, and modules. Support agents see only what is relevant to their role, while administrators retain broader visibility.
Give everyone the right key, instead of handing out a master key.

Secure communication across every channel  

Whether customers reach out via email or chat, all communication in Zoho Desk is encrypted. Emails are protected by configuring DKIM and SPF, so that every conversation remains secure within Zoho’s ecosystem. So even when customers share sensitive details, their data stays exactly where it belongs: secure and protected.

Safe file attachments  

We have all hesitated before opening an attachment that the email sites as “suspicious.” Zoho Desk reduces that risk by restricting file types that can be attached to tickets and emails. This prevents harmful files from entering the system while keeping customer data safe during document sharing.

Clear audit trails  

Privacy is not just about prevention; it is also about accountability. Zoho Desk audit logs track who accessed or modified data and when actions occurred. This transparency helps organizations investigate issues, meet compliance needs, and maintain trust.

Privacy-driven support

Our support teams comply with GDPR, ISO, and other regional regulations and industry standards. We stay updated on evolving policies, and always seek consent before accessing customer data. We believe in open communication even during an outage or accidents.

The right to be forgotten   

Zoho follows strict data retention policies. During imports, exports, or migration from one data center (DC) or service to another, customer data is retained only for defined periods of two to four weeks and deleted securely within a planned timeframe. Customer data is never stored for prolonged time frames on support systems, ensuring end-to-end data encryption.
Learn more about Zoho's commitment to GDPR compliance.

Privacy tips for Zoho Desk users  

  1. Enable data masking for sensitive fields.
  2. Configure role-based permissions.
  3. Review audit logs regularly.
  4. Use secure communication channels.
  5. These small steps make a big difference in protecting customer trust while delivering efficient support.

Zoho Desk, the privacy-driven support  

Privacy should not slow down support, and support can never compromise privacy. Zoho Desk brings together powerful customer service capabilities with security and privacy controls. You get transparency without complexity, compliance without confusion, and trust without trade-offs.
On this Data Protection Day and beyond, choose Zoho Desk to serve your customers with confidence, responsibility, and respect for their data.
Choose Zoho Desk. Deliver support that your customers trust. 

    • Sticky Posts

    • Register for Zoho Desk Beta Community

      With the start of the year, we have decided to take a small step in making the life of our customers a little easier. We now have easy access to all our upcoming features and a faster way to request for beta access. We open betas for some of our features
    • Share your Zoho Desk story with us!

      Tell us how you use Zoho Desk for your business and inspire others with your story. Be it a simple workflow rule that helps you navigate complex processes or a macro that saves your team a lot of time; share it here and help the community learn and grow with shared knowledge. 
    • Tip #1: Learn to pick the right channels

      Mail, live chat, telephony, social media, web forms—there are so many support channels out there. Trying to pick the right channels to offer your customers can get pretty confusing. Emails are most useful when the customer wants to put things on record. However, escalated or complicated issues should not be resolved over email because it's slow and impersonal.  When you need immediate responses, live chat is more suitable. It's also quick and convenient, so it's the go-to channel for small issues. 
    • Welcome to Zoho Desk Community - Say hello here!

      Hello everyone! Though we have been here for a while, it’s time to formally establish the Zoho Desk Community; we’re really happy to have you all here! This can be the place where you take a moment to introduce yourself to the rest of the community. We’d love to hear all about you, what you do, what company or industry you work for, how you use Zoho Desk and anything else that you will like to share! Here’s a little about me. I am Chinmayee. I have been associated with Zoho since 2014. I joined here
    • Webinar 1: Blueprint for Customer Service

      With the launch of a host of new features in Zoho Desk, we thought it’ll be great to have a few webinars to help our customers make the most of them. We’re starting off with our most talked about feature, Blueprint in Zoho Desk. You can register for the Blueprint webinar here: The webinar will be delivered by our in-house product experts. This is a good opportunity to ask questions to our experts and understand how Blueprint can help you automate your service processes. We look forward to seeing

    Nederlandse Hulpbronnen


      • Recent Topics

      • Accessing shared mailboxes through Trident (Windows)

        Hi, I have a created a couple of shared mailboxes. The mailboxes are showing up on the browser based Zoho workplace, but I cannot seem to figure out how to access my shared inboxes through Trident (Windows). Am I missing something or is this feature not
      • Feature Request: Ability to set Default Custom Filters and apply them via URL/Deluge

        I've discovered a significant gap in how Zoho Creator handles Custom Filters for reports, and I'm hoping the Zoho team can address this in a future update. This limitation has been raised before and continues to be requested, but remains unresolved. The
      • Closing the Loop: Why Lookup Asymmetry is Harming Data Integrity in Creator

        TL;DR: Lookup fields allow users to add new related records inline via the "+" icon, but there's no equivalent ability to edit an existing related record without navigating away and losing form context. Adding a native "Edit" icon—with automatic User
      • filtering lookup field options based on information in another module.

        In our CRM system. We have the standard Accounts and Deals modules. We would like to introduce the ability to classify Accounts by Sector. Our desired functionality is to have a global list of all sectors that an Account can select, with the ability to
      • Service op locatie organiseren met Zoho FSM: waar lopen organisaties tegenaan?

        Bij organisaties met service teams op locatie merken we vaak dat de complexiteit niet zozeer in de planning zelf zit, maar in wat er rond die planning gebeurt. Denk aan opvolging na interventies, consistente servicerapporten, en het bijhouden van installaties
      • Introducing Assemblies and Kits in Zoho Inventory

        Hello customers, We’re excited to share a major revamp to Zoho Inventory that brings both clarity and flexibility to your inventory management experience! Presenting Assemblies and Kits We’re thrilled to introduce Assemblies and Kits, which replaces the
      • Does the ability exist to make tax on the customer profile mandatory?

        I am reaching out to inquire about the possibility of making the "Customer Tax" field mandatory when creating a new customer in Zoho. We want to ensure that all customers have their tax information recorded to maintain compliance with our internal processes.
      • email association with CRM

        Why is it 2024 (almost 2025) and Zoho has not figured out how to integrate email with CRM? It is so inconsistent at associating emails within CRM. I am an attorney. I have clients and work with other attorneys. Attorney John Doe is associated with multiple
      • Credit Note for Shipped and Fatoora pushed invoices

        We have shipped a Sales Order and created an Invoice. The Invoice is also pushed to Fatoora Now we need to create a credit note for the invoice When we try it, it says we need to create a Sales Return in the Zoho Books, we have already created a Sales
      • FSM - Timesheet entires for Internal Work

        Hi FSM Team, Several of my clients have asked how they can manage internal timesheets within Zoho FSM. Since their technicians already spend most of their day working in FSM, it would be ideal if they could log all working hours directly in the FSM app.
      • Add a way of clearing fields values in Flow actions

        It would be great if there was an option to set a field as Null when creating flows. I had an instance today where I just wanted to clear a long integer field in the CRM based on an action in Projects but I had to write a custom function. It would be
      • Role Management

        I am creating an analytics dashboard for a company that will be utilized by its various departments such as Finance, Marketing, and HR. My goal is to design the dashboard with separate tabs for each department. Additionally, I plan to implement role-based
      • Highlight a candidate who is "off limits"

        Hello: Is there a way to highlight a candidate who is "off limits"?  I would like to have the ability to make certain candidate and / or Client records highlighted in RED or something like that.   This would be used for example when we may have placed a candidate somewhere and we want everyone in our company to quickly and easily see that they are off limits.  The same would apply when we want to put a client or former client off limits so no one recruits out of there. How can this be done? Cheers,
      • Announcing new features in Trident for Windows (v.1.37.5.0)

        Hello Community! Trident for Windows just received a major update, with a range of capabilities that strengthen email security and enhance communication. This update focuses on making your mailbox safer and your overall email experience more reliable.
      • Early Payment Discount customize Text

        Hi, I’m currently using Zoho Books and am trying to customize the standard “Early Payment Discount” message that appears in the PDF invoice template. I’ve reviewed the documentation here: https://www.zoho.com/books/help/invoice/early-payment-discount.html
      • Deprecation of SMS-based multi-factor authentication (MFA) mode

        Overview of SMS-based OTP MFA mode The SMS-based OTP MFA method involves the delivery of a one-time password to a user's mobile phone via SMS. The user receives the OTP on their mobile phone and enters it to sign into their account. SMS-based OTPs offer
      • DKIM Now Mandatory - Changes to Zoho Forms Email Policies

        Hello Zoho Forms Users, This post is to inform you about an important update regarding the authentication of all email domains in your Zoho Forms account. This year, we are doubling down on our commitment to deliver a secure, seamless, and empowering
      • Call description in notes

        When completing a call, we type in the result of the call in the description. However, that does not show up under the notes history on the contact. We want to be able to see all the calls that have taken place for a contact wihtout having to go into
      • Email Address for Contact not Populating

        When I click "Send Mail" from a Contact's page, their email address does not auto populate the "To" field. How do I make this happen?
      • New in CRM: Dynamic filters for lookup fields

        Last modified on Oct 28, 2024: This feature was initially available only through Early Access upon request. It is now available to all users across all data centers, except for the IN DC. Users in the IN DC can temporarily request access using this form
      • Why hybrid project management might be the best fit for you?

        Project management techniques are designed to equip teams with proven methods for easy and efficient project execution. While management teams may have apprehensions about adopting the hybrid method of project management, we’ve compiled the top reasons
      • Allow all Company Users to view all projects, but only owner/admins can change projects

        I was wondering if there was a permission setting I could adjust to allow all our company users to see all projects created. Then, only the project owners and admins with the change permission. Thanks
      • Fail to send Email by deluge

        Hi, today I gonna update some email include details in deluge, while this msg pops up and restrict me to save but my rules has run for one year. can you tell me how to use one of our admin account or super admin account to send the email? I tried to update
      • Seeking help to be able to search on all custom functions that are defined

        Hello I have a lot of custom functions defined (around 200) and i would like to search some specific strings in the content of those. Is there a way to accomplish that? If not, is there a way to download all existing custom functions in some files locally
      • Totals for Sales Tax Report

        On the sales tax report, the column totals aren't shown for any column other than Total Tax. I can't think of a good reason that they shouldn't be included for the other columns, as well. It would help me with my returns, for sure. It seems ludicrous
      • Add Bulk Section / Grid Layout Duplicate Feature in Zoho Forms Builder

        Currently in Zoho Forms, users can only duplicate individual fields. There is no option to duplicate an entire section or two-column/grid layout with all internal fields. This becomes inefficient when building structured forms such as Family Details,
      • Leistungsdatum in Rechnungen (Zoho Books)

        Hallo, ist es irgendwie möglich den Leistungszeitraum in der Rechnung aufzuführen? Beste Grüße Aleks
      • Zoho Trident Windows - Streams Not Visible

        Namaste We’re having an issue with Streams not being visible in Trident (Windows), which is important for us as we share many emails internally. It appears that the feature to show Streams above the Inbox folder, as seen in the default mailbox view, is
      • Sales IQ Chat Widget is Only Displaying Last Name

        Can anyone suggest why the widget is only displaying "last name"?! We have the latest version of the wordpress plugin installed. Thanks Thanks!
      • Shopify - Item sync from Zoho Inventory

        Hi team, We’ve connected Shopify with Zoho Inventory. We want that when an item is created in Zoho Inventory, it must create a product in Shopify. But currently, new items created in Zoho Inventory are not getting created in Shopify even after clicking
      • Bulk upload image option in Zoho Commerce

        I dont know if I am not looking into it properly but is there no option to bulk upload images along with the products? Like after you upload the products, I will have to upload images one by one again? Can someone help me out here? And what should I enter
      • Is it possible to setup bin locations WITHOUT mandating batch tracking?

        Hi fellow zoho users, I'm wondering if anyone else has a similar issue to me? I only have some products batch tracked (items with shelf life expiry dates) but I am trying to setup bin locations for my entire inventory so we can do stock counting easier.
      • Kill zoho meeting

        Saying the quiet part out loud. Can zoho please just give up on the idea that they can make a meeting platform and just make our workplace licenses cheaper when you remove it so people can switch to zoom or teams. Tired of the excuses, you guys cant make
      • Utilisation de Zoho en conformité avec l’article 286 du Code général des impôts (CGI)

        Cher(e) client(e), Conformément à l’article 286 du Code général des impôts (CGI) impose aux entreprises assujetties à la TVA d’utiliser des systèmes de caisse ou de gestion commerciale certifiés lorsqu’elles enregistrent des ventes à des particuliers.
      • Unable to Create Task as a Support Administrator

        Hello! I want to ask for help regarding creating tasks within the tickets. I am by default the Support Admin. I should be able to create tasks or activities right? But there's a prompt that I need to contact the Administrator. See photos for reference.
      • Introducing Forms in Zoho Sheet

        We hereby bring you the power of ​forms in Zoho Sheet. ​Now, build and create your own customized forms using Zoho Sheet. Be it compiling a questionnaire or rolling out a survey, Zoho Sheet can do it all for you. Forms is an excellent feature that helps you collect information in the simplest of ways and having it in Zoho Sheet takes it a notch higher. Build Simple yet Powerful forms Building forms using Zoho Sheet is fairly simple. The exclusive 'Form' tab lets you create one quickly. Whether you
      • Layout one survey question in a time & redirect next Page based on previous response

        I have doubt while, I am scripting survey on the Zoho where I redirecting to next page based on my previous response but didn’t get success on this. Please help me on this and tell me how I layout one survey questions in a time when I submit response
      • Zoho Bookings form pre-filled with Zoho Forms in

        Hi, I've got a contact page on my website and I'd like to have the option to book an appointment (redirected to zoho bookings page) after an option is submitted on the contact form. how would I go about doing this? thanks
      • Support “Other” Option with Free Text in Dropdown Fields

        Hello Zoho Bookings Team, Greetings, We would like to request an enhancement to the registration form fields in Zoho Bookings, specifically for dropdown fields. Current Limitation: At the moment, dropdown fields do not support an “Other” option that allows
      • Sending automated messages that appear in the ticket's conversation thread

        Good morning, esteemed Zoho Desk community, warm greetings Today I am here to raise the following problem, seeking a solution that I can implement: I need to implement an automation that allows me to send reminder messages to customers when I am waiting
      • Next Page