Securing Personal Voice Assistants While Working From Home

As remote work becomes more common, personal voice assistants (PVAs) like Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and Google Assistant are now a staple in home offices. These devices offer convenience, but they also bring unique security and privacy risks that can compromise both personal and business data if left unaddressed.

From eavesdropping to advanced cyberattacks like Dolphin Attacks, PVAs create vulnerabilities that most users don’t consider. Understanding these risks and learning how to secure your devices is essential to safeguarding your information.

This blog post will guide you through the main security threats associated with PVAs and provide practical steps to protect your privacy while working from home.

The Security Risks of Personal Voice Assistants

Voice assistants streamline tasks and make our lives easier, but they also come with hidden privacy and security risks. Here are some of the most common vulnerabilities to be aware of.

Eavesdropping and Privacy Concerns

A primary risk of PVAs is eavesdropping. These devices continuously listen for wake words (like “Hey Siri” or “Alexa”), meaning they can inadvertently capture and store conversations. In some cases, recordings have been accessed or analyzed by third-party vendors without the user’s consent. When used in home office settings, PVAs can capture sensitive business information, which may be vulnerable to misuse or unauthorized access.

Dolphin Attacks and Advanced Threats

Dolphin Attacks are a sophisticated cyber threat to PVAs. These attacks use high-frequency voice commands that humans cannot hear to control a PVA without the user’s knowledge. This could result in unauthorized access to connected accounts or devices, putting your data at risk.

To guard against such attacks, it’s crucial to regularly update your PVA’s software, disable unnecessary features when they’re not in use, and manage security settings to restrict unauthorized commands.

A Closer Look at Popular Voice Assistants and Their Security Concerns

Each major voice assistant has its own set of features—and unique security vulnerabilities. Let’s look at each one.

Google Assistant

Google Assistant offers a wide range of functionality and integrates seamlessly across many devices. However, its extensive capabilities can inadvertently expose user data. Here are a few ways to secure it:

• Adjust data-sharing settings to control what information Google Assistant has access to.
• Use strong, unique passwords for connected Google accounts to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Siri (Apple)

Apple’s Siri benefits from Apple’s robust security ecosystem, but privacy risks still exist, especially around user data access. To strengthen Siri’s security:

• Keep your device updated to benefit from Apple’s latest security features.
• Limit Siri’s access to sensitive apps and data by adjusting privacy settings.

Cortana (Microsoft)

Integrated within the Windows ecosystem, Cortana comes with some security risks, particularly in environments that rely on Windows-based systems. Here’s how to enhance Cortana’s security:

• Enable two-factor authentication to protect accounts connected to Cortana.
• Customize Cortana’s security settings to minimize unauthorized access.

Alexa (Amazon)

With its widespread popularity, Alexa is a prime target for potential breaches. Alexa users should be aware of security issues such as unauthorized purchasing and data access vulnerabilities. To improve Alexa’s security:

• Set up voice confirmation for purchases to prevent unintended transactions.
• Adjust privacy settings to limit interactions that could pose security risks.

Tips to Properly Secure Your Voice Assistant

Securing your PVA doesn’t have to be complicated. Following these best practices can protect your data and privacy in a home office setup.

1. Only Use Trusted Third-Party Apps

Third-party apps can extend a PVA’s functionality, but not all apps are secure. To avoid security threats, ensure that only approved and reputable applications are used with your device.

2. Limit Access to Sensitive Accounts and Data

Linking PVAs to sensitive accounts, such as financial or corporate accounts, can expose you to breaches. For safer access, always use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Wherever possible, keep sensitive accounts disconnected from PVAs.

3. Mute or Turn Off Your PVA When Not in Use

When working on sensitive tasks or discussing confidential information, mute or turn off your voice assistant to prevent accidental activations. This simple step can help ensure that unintended recordings are not stored during important conversations.

4. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network with WPA2 Encryption

Securing your Wi-Fi network is essential for protecting connected devices, including PVAs. Use WPA2 (or higher) encryption for your router and update the default credentials to a strong, unique password to further safeguard your network.

Recap: Protecting Voice Assistants in Remote Work

Voice assistants bring great value and productivity benefits to remote work environments, but they also introduce unique security and privacy risks. By understanding the vulnerabilities of PVAs—such as eavesdropping and Dolphin Attacks—and implementing security measures to address them, you can protect sensitive data and privacy while enjoying the convenience these devices offer.

Policy Recommendations for Organizations

To help protect both company data and employee privacy, organizations should consider implementing clear policies around PVA use. Recommendations could include:

• Requiring strong passwords and two-factor authentication for accounts linked to PVAs.
• Suggesting employees disable PVAs during work hours or in areas where confidential discussions take place.
• Offering security awareness training to educate employees on the risks and best practices for using PVAs securely.

These guidelines enable employees to make safe use of voice assistant technology, improving productivity without compromising security.

Leveraging Keepnet for Enhanced Security Awareness

With the rise of PVAs and other connected devices in home workspaces, platforms like the Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform offer organizations a valuable advantage. Keepnet provides comprehensive security awareness training, including the Keepnet Security Awareness Training and phishing simulation tools such as the Keepnet Phishing Simulator. These tools empower employees to recognize and respond effectively to potential threats, helping companies strengthen cybersecurity awareness and better protect their teams.