As cybercrime and online threats continue to rise, remote work is often portrayed as dangerous. However, small and medium-sized businesses can maintain safety and security while reaping the benefits of working from home. By adopting a risk-based security strategy and following best practices, even virtual assistants can avoid privacy issues. Let’s explore the challenges facing virtual assistants and how to overcome them.
What are the privacy concerns associated with using virtual assistants?
When hiring a virtual assistant, it’s important to consider potential security risks. Freelancers and independent contractors without IT support are especially vulnerable to attack. To protect your IT realm, be sure to follow these best practices.
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#1 Exposure to impersonation
Don’t let your business fall victim to an email hack. Even tech giants are not safe from cybercriminals breaking into their IT networks, but they can minimize the risk of a hack. Protect your business email server to protect sensitive private customer information and trade secrets.
Email phishing is a sophisticated cybercrime that is becoming harder to detect. Hackers create fake emails that look genuine and, when clicked, steal data. Customers who fall for this scam may have their credit card information stolen and used for fraudulent transactions.
Keeping your email server secure is essential to prevent this disaster. Make sure you take the necessary steps to protect your business from email hacking and phishing attacks.
#2 Weak passwords
Protect your company’s private data by ensuring your remote virtual personal assistants use strong passwords. Weak passwords make it easier for cybercriminals to gain access, leaving your data at risk and putting you at risk for identity fraud. Use a two-factor authentication password system to give your IT network the best protection against cybercrime. As a responsible business owner, it is up to you to prioritize cyber security and safeguard your company’s sensitive information.
#3 Using public Wi-Fi
Avoid the security risks associated with public Wi-Fi when using a virtual assistant by securing a secure private Internet connection. Don’t risk harming your business by allowing remote workers to connect over unsecured networks. As a business owner, it’s essential to ask if the devices your virtual assistants are using are fully protected and won’t pose a security threat. Before hiring remote workers, conduct a thorough risk assessment to protect your IT network from potential threats. Protect your business by securing your virtual assistant’s internet connection.
#4 Access to recordings of video meetings
If you’re hiring your first virtual assistant, it’s important to know that they typically use mobile phones with tools like Windows-based mobile apps and interactive voice response. They may also use Samsung wireless devices or the Android operating system. However, be aware that remotely activated spy apps can give hackers access to all data on the phone, including web browsing history, emails, photos and texts. They can even hijack the microphone and record your conversations and voice notes.
#5 Personal and confidential data
As a business owner, protecting your customer’s personal and confidential data is a top priority, especially when bringing in new virtual assistants. It is essential to ensure that your virtual assistant understands the importance of data security and has up-to-date anti-virus software. Failure to do so may result in the theft of sensitive information. Make sure your virtual personal assistant takes data security seriously to protect both your business and your customers.
Measures to prevent privacy and security risks
#1 Use a VPN
You can talk a lot about the weaknesses of a virtual assistant, but you can’t do without them. Your mission is to minimize security and privacy risks, and the easiest way to achieve this is to use VPN apps. The operation algorithm is extremely simple: Download VPN, install it and connect to one of the remote servers. Some advanced services allow you to install Edge VPN with protection against phishing and viruses. For example, VeePN protects against many types of viruses and various types of attacks, hides user data and encrypts the entire communication channel. This is enough to drastically reduce security risks.
Also read “Become a virtual assistant“
#2 Use antivirus software
It is essential for companies to keep their anti-virus software up-to-date to protect against cyber-attacks. As a business owner, you need to stress the importance of this to any virtual assistant you hire. Make sure they always have the latest antivirus software installed on their personal devices to protect your company’s IT systems. If you don’t, your business is vulnerable to hacking.
#3 Using secure devices
Make sure your employees have authorization before accessing your systems with personal devices. Additionally, ensure that all company computers have up-to-date malware protection, which can be achieved through DNS filtering. This is essential for protecting your business from potential threats.
#4 Password encryption
Protect yourself and your corporate accounts by avoiding the common mistake of sharing your virtual assistant’s credentials. Instead, use a secure password encryption platform like LastPass to provide safe and convenient access to the accounts you need. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to possible security breaches.
Summary
Security and privacy risks are a big concern when it comes to virtual assistants. It is essential that businesses understand the potential threats they face so they can take all the necessary steps to protect their IT network from cybercrime. By following best practices such as using secure devices, password encryption, and antivirus software, you can ensure that your business is secure and continues to benefit from virtual assistants.
