Voicebot Security: Protecting Your Privacy

Prasanna Dasari

Share

5 min read

The team discovered the VoiceBot project to prevent shady practices. Using deep learning techniques, the data scientists work to historically match voice recordings with identifiable voices from other sources, such as government phone records. Technology reveals patterns of deception in public speeches or verifies that a user’s address is authentic and not an automated speech synthesis program (i.e., bot).

Voicebot provides security for those concerned with the safety of their online information and who want to safeguard their privacy by giving them a powerful alternative.

This app protects users’ privacy and gives them control over their data usage. It lets users choose what they share with the world. Whether you’re looking for advice on protecting yourself or just interested in learning more, we want your voice heard. With Voicebot, privacy has always been challenging.

The smart devices in our lives should be able to listen to us but not record or share our most intimate conversations. Users should always be able to control what information gets shared and with whom, no matter who they are talking to.

With privacy concerns among customers today, a solution can help users evaluate the risks of using voice bots and protect themselves by limiting how much information gets shared with others.

Key Considerations and Tips for Protecting Your Privacy

Use Strong Authentication

When you need to authenticate to another voice-controlled device, use robust authentication methods when available. Strong authentication means that the user’s identity is verified using multiple methods. For example, when authenticating on a Google Home speaker, this could mean providing your Google account password and a passphrase. In most cases, it is more secure to use strong authentication than weak authentication (e.g., your password or PIN).

Learn More: Future of Business Calls: Microsoft Teams Direct Routing

Limit Voice Access to Trusted Apps

Limit access of voicebots and other voice-controlled devices to trusted apps. It may mean restricting default out-of-the-box access of voice bots or devices to apps supplied by the manufacturer versus third-party apps you have installed.

• Use Two-Factor or PIN Authentication: Use strong authentication whenever you need to authenticate to your voicebot. If strong authentication is not available, consider using a two-factor or PIN code in your account with a voice-controlled device. For example, when using Google Home, a security code can be sent by text message to your Android smartphone for added security.
• Set Privacy to Manage Incoming Messages: Enable privacy settings in the settings menu of any device you use. It will keep you from being prompted to participate in unwanted conversations.
• Use Privacy Settings to Limit Access to Passwords: Don’t give out your password or PIN. If you must give out your password or PIN, then use a masking technique to hide the text representation of your password or PIN.
• Use Two-Step Verification: Using two-step verification enhances user security and can be enabled via your account’s settings when using a voicebot or other voice-controlled device. Two-step verification is an optional feature, so use it only if your voicebot supports it. Google recommends as the preferred provider of two-step verification for its voice bots.
• Disclose Privacy Gestures: If you use a voicebot or other voice-controlled device, disclose the privacy gestures you execute when accessing the settings menu. It can help others know that you don’t need to access the settings menu each time they call your device. Please disclose this gesture in advance of treating users (or others) with respect to using their responses to their requests.

Opt-Out Features

Many devices allow users to “opt-out” of specific features, such as recording, sending push notifications, or collecting personal information. While opt-out features have the benefit of providing users with a degree of control, they may be confusing to end-users and cause some platforms to turn off certain functions.

Learn about VoIP Phone Features

Be aware of the terms and conditions and privacy policies of third-party applications that integrate with voicebots. Third-party applications can also collect or transmit data in ways that are not to be outlined in their privacy policies or terms of service. Pay attention when linking your accounts with third-party applications.

Monitor

Keep track of any updates made to voicebot platforms, third-party applications and devices. It will help you stay up to date with security vulnerabilities and privacy policy changes, which could impact your privacy.

Make sure that any data collected by voice bots gets used for the purpose you intended. Check the terms and conditions of a third-party application to see what they are allowed to do with your data.

Stay aware of any service or product changes that may affect how voice bots collect, store or use your data. It encompasses fresh functionalities, resolutions of bugs, and enhancements in security. You can find out about security updates by reading an app’s privacy policy, checking online discussion boards and subscribing to email notification services from the company or device manufacturer.

If you’re having issues with a device, contact the device manufacturer. If you have questions about the security of a device, check its privacy policy or contact your internet service provider (ISP). Your ISP can help you understand what information is collected and how it gets used. They may also be able to provide advice on best practices for protecting your privacy online.

Voicebot security is a critical aspect of ensuring your privacy and protecting sensitive information when using voice-activated devices and services. As voice recognition and voice-controlled technologies become increasingly prevalent in our homes, workplaces, and daily lives, it’s essential to take steps to safeguard your data.

Understand Data Collection

Be aware of what voicebots and voice assistants are collecting data. These devices often record and transmit audio data to cloud servers for processing. So, review the privacy policies and terms of service of the provider to understand what data is collected and how it gets used.

Manage Voice Recordings

Many platforms allow users to review and delete their voice recordings. Regularly check for stored voice call recordings and delete those that you no longer need. Some devices also offer options to delete recordings after a certain period automatically.

VoIP Features: Benefits of Call Recording

Use Strong Passwords

Use a strong password for your device. Obscure passwords, like a random combination of letters, numbers and special characters, are often more secure than easy-to-guess passwords. Keep in mind that some voicebots may automatically connect with other applications or devices that have access to sensitive information.

• Voice Data Collection: Providers are not required to make their privacy policies transparent to the customers. 
• Apps: Apps may have different privacy policies, and some may collect data in ways you don’t expect. For example, some apps may capture and record background conversations even when they’re not in use for a phone call. Some apps may allow your contacts list to get saved by default on your device, which means that other people could potentially access those contacts. Users should be aware of these privacy concerns and choose the apps that they wish to use carefully.
• Security: It has a technology called Avalanche that makes your voice calls completely secure, even when your device is in the lock state.

You can’t have your privacy compromised or violated in a way that’s beyond your understanding or control.

Voicebot doesn’t have access to any of your data and doesn’t sell that to third parties. We are working hard to build better products so users can immediately benefit from these features.

Conclusion

It has the potential to be a beneficial tool, primarily when used in conjunction with other voice recognition software. For example, a developer could create a tool to record calls for developers to use for testing purposes or developing games. Alternatively, during the call, transcribe and convert calls into text files, then edit and upload them to a server for easy utilization by other developers on any device.

Published: September 28th, 2023