How can you stay safe online during tax time?

Hackers commonly use tactics like phishing, spoofing, phone calls, emails, text messages, or letters threatening to have you arrested, collect your assets, or freeze bank accounts if you don’t cooperate.

They may also send fake documents or messages by mail, text, or social media to trick taxpayers into providing sensitive, personally identifiable information (PII).

To protect your business from hackers during tax season, you must be vigilant and aware of the latest hacking tactics. Some rules of thumb to keep top of mind include:

  • Don’t click on suspicious links or open suspicious attachments.
  • Never provide personal information without verifying the legitimacy of the request.
  • Keep your security software updated and use strong passwords to protect your financial and personal information.

Another critical point to remember is that the IRS will never initiate contact with you via telephone, text message, email, or social media to request personal or financial information.

The IRS will always first send a letter requesting information.

We’ve discussed the IRS impersonation telephone scam previously on this blog. It’s an aggressive and sophisticated tactic that has impacted every corner of the country.

The callers claim to be employees of the IRS (but are not). They even use fake names and bogus IRS badge numbers. They can be very convincing and know much about you from online information. They will even alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling!

So remember, the IRS will never:

  • Call to demand immediate payment.
  • Call about taxes owed without first mailing you a bill.
  • Demand that you pay taxes without allowing you to question or appeal their decision or the amounts they claim you owe.
  • Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes – the IRS does not require payment via pre-paid debit cards.
  • Ask you for credit card, debit card, or Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) over the phone.
  • Threaten to bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to have you arrested.

So if you start to hear ANY of these claims, you are talking to a scammer and should immediately hang up.

If you have already been in touch with the IRS, agents or tax compliance officers might use phone calls or in-person visits to get in touch with you. They may also send emails or request information. However, this will only occur after that initial contact by mail, and they will never threaten you or demand immediate payment over the phone or by email. If you receive such a call or email, do not respond or, once again, immediately hang up.

Here are 7 more ways to protect your business from hackers during tax time:

1. Educate Your Employees About Security Risks

One of the most effective ways to protect your business from hackers during tax season is to educate your employees about security risks. By teaching your employees how to identify and avoid common scams, you can significantly reduce your risk of a data breach.

It is equally vital that you create a comprehensive security policy for your employees to follow. This should include guidelines for password strength and protection, internet usage, data storage, and information sharing. Regular training sessions help reinforce these policies and keep employees up-to-date with the latest security threats.

2. Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication

Passwords are often the first line of defense against cyber attacks. Unfortunately, many people still use weak, easily guessed passwords that hackers can crack. Using strong passwords that are difficult to guess is essential to prevent unauthorized access to your business accounts and data.

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional information, such as a fingerprint or a one-time code, before logging in. This can make it much more difficult for hackers to access your business accounts.

3. Keep Your Software Up-to-Date

As annoying as constant software updates can be, they are not there for no reason. Software vulnerabilities can provide a gateway for cybercriminals to access your business data. To prevent this, it is essential to keep your software up-to-date. This includes your operating system, web browsers, and any other software or applications you use.

Ensure you regularly check for and install software updates and security patches. This can help to fix any known vulnerabilities and reduce your risk of a data breach.

4. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

Antivirus and anti-malware software can help to protect your business from cyber attacks by scanning your computer for malicious software and blocking any suspicious activity. Ensure you have a reliable antivirus and anti-malware program installed on all of your business devices.

It is also important to regularly update your antivirus and anti-malware software to ensure that it can detect and block the latest threats.

5. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Your Wi-Fi network can be a weak point in your business’s security if it is not adequately secured. Ensure you use a strong password to protect your Wi-Fi network, and change this password regularly.

It is also essential to keep your Wi-Fi network hidden and to disable remote administration. This can help to prevent unauthorized access to your network and reduce your risk of a data breach.

6. Back Up Your Data Regularly

Backing up your data regularly can help protect your business from data loss in a cyber-attack or other disaster. Ensure you regularly back up your important business data, including financial records, customer information, and other sensitive data.

Store your backups in a secure location, such as an encrypted external hard drive or a cloud-based storage service. This can help to protect your data even if your primary systems are compromised.

7. Be Vigilant Against Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are a common tactic cybercriminals use to trick employees into sharing sensitive information or downloading malicious software. To protect your business from these scams, being vigilant and educating your employees on identifying and avoiding them is crucial.

Some common signs of a phishing scam include suspicious links or email attachments, requests for personal information, and urgent or threatening language. Ensure that your employees know to be cautious of these signs and immediately report any suspicious activity to your IT department.

Would you like some help?

If you are a client and would like to book a consultation, call us at +1 (212) 382-3939 or contact us here to set up a time.

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