A tech expert has warned of the four things you should avoid asking your voice assistant devices. For many people, relying on the likes of Siri or Alexa for things like checking the weather or setting a timer while cooking has become part of their daily routine.
However, it might not be such a good idea to rely on them in more serious situations. From performing banking tasks to asking for medical advice, Joe Davies, a tech expert from Ask Optimo, has shared four things you should always avoid asking voice assistants
He urges voice assistant users to think twice before engaging with their devices if they want to protect their privacy and ensure a smooth experience. Below is his four warnings in full.
1. 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, Joe warns.
"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" the expert advises.
2. 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," Joe says.
When people are asking, for example, “Siri look up EasyJet's customer service phone number”, it may connect you automatically - leading you to either a fake website or a number that you did not plan on contacting, Joe explains. "When you need to reach customer service or handle any payment-related matters, it’s best to contact the service provider directly."
3. 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, Joe warns.
"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." He said. 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.
4. 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.
