Outsourcing business tasks can be a game-changer for efficiency, but with it comes unique risks—particularly in the form of data breaches. When you're handling sensitive information like customer records, financial data, or intellectual property, a single misstep can lead to disastrous consequences. Data breaches can be a business problem that impacts your bottom line and the trust you've built with clients. And when you're working with virtual assistants (VAs), the stakes get even higher.
In this post, we'll dive into what data breaches are, the types that can affect outsourced work, and how to protect your business while still reaping the benefits of outsourcing.
Table of contents
- What Are Data Breaches and How Do They Impact Outsourced Work
- 9 Common Data Breaches to Look For
- Hiring Prialto for Secure Outsourced Support
What Are Data Breaches and How Do They Impact Outsourced Work
A data breach happens when unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive information, like customer data or financial records. Whether it’s through a hacker or a simple misstep like sending the wrong email, the results can be costly—and not just financially. Your reputation and trust with clients are at stake.
When outsourcing tasks to virtual assistants (VAs), the risk doesn’t disappear. In fact, sometimes it can increase. VAs often have access to critical business systems, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. From customer information to financial details, every interaction poses potential risks if cybersecurity isn’t top of mind. Luckily there are simple solutions to this problem.
The vulnerabilities? They’re often simple but damaging. Weak passwords, unsecured devices, or poor data handling practices can open the door to breaches. That’s why understanding these risks and implementing strong cybersecurity measures are key to safe and successful outsourcing.
Read more: What to Know About Virtual Assistant Security Risks
9 Common Data Breaches to Look For
According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach for businesses is $4.88 million. This highlights the significant financial burden that breaches can place on smaller organizations, which often have fewer resources to absorb these costs.
Before you fall victim to a data breach, check out these nine common types to look out for:
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Phishing Attacks
Ever received an email that looks just like PayPal, your bank, or even your favorite store, but something seems off? That’s phishing in action—cybercriminals creating convincing replicas of legitimate websites to lure users into sharing sensitive information. Phishing schemes remain one of the most prevalent methods cybercriminals use to trick employees into giving away sensitive information.
An employee receiving a “Microsoft 365 update” email could be enough to unlock company systems for hackers. One wrong click can lead to stolen credentials, exposing your business to major risks.
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Stolen Information
Data theft is a major concern, especially when it involves sensitive information like customer records, financial details, or intellectual property. Hackers can access this information through security vulnerabilities, and once it’s in their hands, it can be sold, used for identity theft, or held for ransom.
It’s not always sophisticated hacking techniques that get companies into trouble either. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a misplaced file or an employee losing a company laptop. Apple’s infamous leak of an iPhone prototype showed how even a minor slip-up can result in critical data falling into the wrong hands.
Protecting your data with strong encryption and access controls is essential.
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Password Guessing
Hackers don’t need to break into complex security systems if your team’s passwords are “password123” or your pet’s name. Brute force attacks—where hackers guess passwords by trying every combination—can be surprisingly effective if your security measures are weak. Storing passwords on sticky notes or choosing easily guessable ones gives cybercriminals the green light to access your systems.
Protecting your company means using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible.
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Recording Keystrokes (Keylogging)
Imagine someone recording everything you type—every password, every email, every private message. That’s what keyloggers do. Once installed on a device, these malicious programs quietly track every keystroke and send the data straight to hackers. With this access, they can easily exploit company resources, steal confidential information, and potentially release it publicly.
They often come from phishing emails or malicious downloads, making it crucial for teams to stay vigilant when opening unknown attachments or clicking on suspicious links.
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Malware or Viruses
Malware can sneak into your system through infected files, email attachments, or unverified software. Once in, it can wreak havoc—stealing data, corrupting files, or even shutting down your entire system. Think about a hospital losing access to critical patient data or a law firm’s confidential files being compromised. All your employees should also avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments. Regular software updates and antivirus tools can help keep these digital threats at bay.
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Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS)
You might have heard of Anonymous launching DDoS attacks against corporations as a form of protest. These attacks flood a company’s servers with fake traffic, crashing systems and making services unavailable to legitimate users. While no data is lost, the downtime can cost businesses thousands, if not millions, in revenue. For large organizations, this kind of attack is a massive disruption, leaving both customers and employees locked out. Strengthening your network security and using tools to detect unusual traffic patterns can help protect against DDoS attacks.
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Ransomware
Ransomware is like a digital hostage situation. Hackers lock up your data and demand a ransom—sometimes small, sometimes astronomical—to give it back. But paying up doesn’t guarantee you’ll get your files or privacy restored. For example, many companies hit by ransomware opt for expensive security firms to negotiate or recover their data. Regular backups and strong security measures are your best defense, but ransomware is a growing threat that all businesses need to watch closely.
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Insider Threats
Not all risks come from outside hackers. Sometimes, it’s the people inside your organization—employees, contractors, or even third-party vendors—who mishandle or expose sensitive data. Insider breaches may be accidental (like emailing the wrong file) or malicious, but either way, the damage can be severe. Setting up proper access controls and monitoring how data is handled can help minimize these risks.
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Data Misconfigurations
It’s easy to assume your systems are secure, but simple misconfigurations can lead to major vulnerabilities. For example, an unprotected cloud storage bucket might leave your confidential files exposed to the public. Regular audits and double-checking security settings are essential steps in preventing data from slipping through the cracks unnoticed.
Hiring Prialto for Secure Outsourced Support
When it comes to securing managed VA support, Prialto is a step ahead in ensuring your business’s sensitive information stays protected. Our commitment to security starts with enterprise-level protections, integrating advanced technology and strict policies to safeguard your data from potential breaches.
What makes us stand out? We’re currently working toward SOC 2 compliance, a leading cybersecurity framework that guarantees the highest standards for handling and storing client information. Prialto’s security measures go even further—every team member undergoes thorough background checks, signs confidentiality agreements, and receives ongoing training on how to avoid cyber threats like phishing and malware.
Our infrastructure includes tools like Microsoft Intune for endpoint management, single sign-on authentication, and strict password management protocols, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to your data. On top of that, we’ve implemented IP login restrictions, video monitoring, and biometric verification for an additional layer of security across all our offices.
When you outsource with Prialto, you’re not just getting expert support—you’re gaining peace of mind knowing your data is in trusted hands.
Let’s chat about how we can securely support your business needs.