1. Use Secure Tools and Access Controls
Work within trusted, enterprise-grade platforms where you control who sees what.
Examples include:
• Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace – for document sharing with permission-based access.
• Microsoft Teams or Slack – for encrypted communication and collaboration.
• Password managers like 1Password or LastPass – to securely share passwords without revealing them.
• Conditional Access Policies in Microsoft 365 – to restrict logins by device or IP and prevent downloads to personal machines.
Keep permissions on a “need-to-know” basis. Staff should only access the systems and files essential to their role.
2. Secure Virtual Workspaces (Cloud PCs)
Go beyond VPNs by keeping all work inside a secure virtual environment.
Microsoft Windows 365 Cloud PC is one of the simplest and most effective ways to achieve this. It allows your offshore team to log into a cloud-hosted Windows computer instead of their personal device, meaning:
• Files remain inside Microsoft’s cloud — never downloaded locally.
• You can block copy-paste, USB drives, and external file transfers.
• It integrates seamlessly with OneDrive, Teams, and Microsoft Defender.
• It’s easy to manage, with a flat cost of roughly $60 AUD per user per month.
Other enterprise options include Azure Virtual Desktop, Citrix, and Amazon WorkSpaces.
3. Strengthen Device and Network Security
Add practical layers of protection:
• Require VPN use at all times when accessing company systems.
• Install Microsoft Defender or similar endpoint protection software.
• Enforce automatic screen lock after short inactivity.
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for every account.
• Disable USB storage where feasible.
These small steps dramatically reduce the risk of breaches or accidental data loss.
4. Legal and Compliance Safeguards
At Hunt St, every placement goes through a rigorous vetting process, including independent reference checks from three separate sources to verify the candidate’s background and work performance. Clients may also request criminal background checks for additional assurance.
We strongly recommend including robust confidentiality and data-protection clauses in your contractor agreements to protect sensitive client information.
The Philippines operates under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, a law that aligns with global data protection standards. Breaches can result in criminal charges, heavy fines, and even jail time. Contractors are fully aware of these laws and take them seriously.
For businesses wanting additional protection, we maintain partnerships with trusted Employer of Record (EOR) providers who can employ offshore talent directly — managing payroll, compliance, and statutory obligations on your behalf.
These steps demonstrate clear adherence to the Australian Privacy Act (1988) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), particularly APP 8, which requires businesses to take “reasonable steps” to ensure offshore workers manage data in accordance with Australian standards.
5. Identity & Professional Transparency
To promote trust and authenticity, offshore contractors are encouraged to list your company name on LinkedIn, clearly marked as “Contractor (Philippines)” or similar.
You may also request they complete LinkedIn’s Government ID Verification, which adds a verified badge to their profile.
This transparency helps clients, partners, and regulators easily recognise legitimate offshore staff representing your brand.
6. Educate and Prepare
Even the best tools can’t replace awareness. Schedule short, recurring training sessions covering:
• How to recognise phishing and social-engineering attempts.
• The importance of keeping all work within approved platforms.
• Steps to take if a device is lost or an account is compromised.
Also ensure you have an incident response plan — who to contact, how to revoke access, and how to report a potential breach.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Secure
Data protection doesn’t have to be complex. With secure tools, cloud desktops, NDAs, strong contractor agreements, background checks, and clear access controls, you can confidently hire offshore talent while meeting Australian privacy standards.
At Hunt St, we make it simple to hire the right people — and keep your systems and clients’ data secure every step of the way.
