How Do I Share Passwords with a Virtual Assistant or Virtual Team?
IN A HURRY? HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE
It can feel nerve-wracking to share sensitive information like passwords with a Virtual Assistant or virtual team. Use a secure system like OnePassword or LastPass to manage all your log-ins and securely share with trusted team members, and/or add them as users on your system accounts. You can also ask your Virtual Assistant to complete a background check, check their references, and always have a contract in place to protect you and your information.
GOT A MINUTE? HERE ARE THE DETAILS TO CONSIDER
The Federal Communications Commission reports: “Theft of digital information has become the most commonly reported fraud, surpassing physical theft. Every business that uses the Internet is responsible for creating a culture of security that will enhance business and consumer confidence.”
No matter the size of your business, this is scary! We don’t want to even imagine what it would be like to lose access to all of our digital assets or to have any of our sensitive information (such as credit cards) compromised in any way.
But as an online business owner who has been working full-time since 2012, I’ve learned how to minimize the risks for both myself and my clients.
Best Ways to Share Passwords Securely
There are two main ways to share passwords and login credentials with your Virtual Assistant or virtual team:
1. Use a system such as OnePassword or LastPass
These systems allow you to securely add your login credentials to a vault, and then share them with others without actually revealing the information. This way, team members are able to gain access to your sites and systems by using a web browser extension that automatically fills in the login information.
2. Invite your Virtual Assistant to join your systems by creating their own account. Generally speaking, this involves “adding a user” or “adding a team member” within your account settings. Not all programs have this option, but it works well in the systems that allow it. For example, if you’re a Gmail user, you can add a Virtual Assistant as a delegate to your account so they are able to access your email by using their own Google login.
Don’t Compromise Your Personal Information
You should always have a contract in place, between you and your contacted team member(s), that addresses confidentiality and security. This contract should also have the other details of your working agreement.
You could also consider asking your Virtual Assistant to submit to a background check or provide you with a certificate of business insurance. Another way you can verify the integrity of your Virtual Assistant is to check their references. These additional steps will give you an added layer of reassurance that they are professional and will keep your information safe.
At Melissa Swink & Co., we have decades of combined experience in securely working with remote clients! If you’re curious about what our Virtual Assistant team can take off your plate AND help you grow your business, I invite you to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation!
If you’re a current client of Melissa Swink & Co., please feel free to reach out to me via email if you’d like to review the tasks and projects you’re sending our way and discover additional ways we can support you as you grow your business.