It might be in your best interest not to discuss these topics with voice assistants
While many of us rely on our voice assistants, such as Siri or Alexa, for things like checking the weather or setting a timer while cooking, it might not be such a good idea to rely on them in more serious situations.
In this article, Joe Davies, a tech expert from Ask Optimo, reveals six things you should always avoid asking voice assistants if you want to protect your privacy and ensure a smooth experience.
Don’t ask voice assistants to perform any banking tasks
Although voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant can conduct basic financial functions such as connecting to banks or credit apps, there are many security issues with voice data.
“Savvy cybercriminals can easily capture and steal your recorded voice and drain or transfer money from your accounts, all remotely. If voice recognition is your primary security measure, it’s hardly sufficient.
For peace of mind, simply use your bank’s official website or app” expert advises.
Don’t ask voice assistants to be your telephone operator
Joe advises to be cautious when asking voice assistants to find and dial a number for you.
“Scammers are faking customer service numbers, pushing them up to the top of the internet search results so there’s a higher chance people will call them by mistake.
When people are asking, for example, “Siri look up EasyJet’s customer service phone number”, it connects you automatically, leading you to either a fake website or a number that you did not plan on contacting.
When you need to reach customer service or handle any payment-related matters, it’s best to contact the service provider directly.”
Don’t ask voice assistants for any medical advice
Obtaining health information regarding any symptoms, remedies or a possible diagnosis should be avoided as voice assistants can provide a simplistic or inaccurate response from an unreliable or unnamed source.
“Relying so much on Internet curated responses could only result in causing more anxiety and drive people to delay essential treatment or seek unnecessary care.
While virtual assistants can provide general medical information, they are not qualified medical professionals. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional for any medical advice or concerns” Joe suggests.
Don’t ask voice assistants for any illegal or harmful activities
Law enforcement can listen in on what you do on your devices. Asking questions about buying illegal drugs leaves a trail that can be used against you if you get in trouble with the law later on.
Even though most people might ask these questions as a joke and aren’t really trying to buy drugs, it’s still a good idea to avoid leaving behind anything that could be seen as incriminating.
Don’t ask Siri if you can eat a certain plant
“If you’re thinking about snacking on some wild berries, it’s best not to rely on voice assistants for advice. Online information about which plants and foods are poisonous can be inconsistent, and following their guidance might end up with you needing medical attention.”
Don’t ask voice assistants to clear your search history, delete an app or remove photos.
“Avoid using voice assistants to delete your search history, applications, or photos as misunderstandings can occur, leading to the accidental removal of crucial data.
It’s advisable to take the additional time to handle these tasks manually to prevent any regrettable losses.” Joe advised.
