As the job title suggests, the work undertaken by Virtual Assistants is predominantly online, therefore protecting data is a serious matter, and as serious professionals, we are all very aware of our obligation to comply with data protection laws.
Clients rightfully worry about the safety of their sensitive information, including passwords and personal data, when entrusting tasks to Virtual Assistants. However, reputable Virtual Assistants practice and employ safe and secure methods to store and transfer data, alleviating any fears that you, the client, may have.
So, how does this work in reality?
Confidentiality Agreement
When you first agree to work with a Virtual Assistant, we will not only ask you to sign a contract, but we will also sign a confidentiality agreement with you. This agreement outlines measures we take to protect sensitive information, ensuring that your data is in safe hands.
Protection Software
Anti-virus, anti-malware and protection software are always used and updated daily. As all of our work is carried out online we are particularly careful about only downloading software and attachments from trusted sources to mitigate security risks.
Cloud Storage
Using a trusted, safe, and secure cloud backup programme, adds an extra layer of assurance as there is a lower risk of data being accessed by third parties, corrupted, or lost.
Sharing Passwords
Let us take a deeper look into one of the main concerns, the sharing of passwords!
When you begin working with a Virtual Assistant, one of the first things they will ask you for are your passwords to email accounts, databases, social media accounts, and anything else you want them to manage. It is scary handing over all that personal information, so let me put your mind at rest. Virtual assistants use advanced password management tools like LastPass, 1Password, etc. These tools ensure that passwords are created, encrypted, and shared safely.
The warning bells should be ringing if you are asked to:
- Share a password via email
- Share a password by text message
- Write it down to show them
It is also strongly recommended that you use strong, individual passwords for every application and that you use 2-step authorisation which adds an extra layer of security. This most commonly requires a password and a temporary code which is often sent to your mobile phone for you to authorise access.
Do you feel more confident?
We understand those fears about data security when working with a Virtual Assistant but we hope that by using password management tools, 2-step authorisation, confidentiality agreements, Cloud storage, and trusted security software we demonstrate a commitment to protecting you and your information. Talk to your chosen Virtual Assistant about your concerns, and remember to only share data and passwords that are essential for the work being carried out.
Have you had any good or bad experiences with sharing data with a Virtual Assistant?