Navigating Cybersecurity During Tax Season: Tips to Stay Safe
Tax season is a busy time when lots of personal and financial information is shared online. This makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. Here are some information on the importance of cybersecurity and tips to protect yourself and your business during tax season.
1. What Is Tax Season?
Tax season is the period when people and businesses file their tax returns. It usually runs from January to April. During this time, important documents like Social Security Numbers (US), Social Insurance Number (Canada), income statements, and bank details are shared.
2. Why Is Cybersecurity Important During Tax Season?
More Data, More Risk: The nature of financial data, and the amount of data being exchanged makes it a prime target for cybercriminals
Increased Scams: Cybercriminals use phishing emails and fake websites during tax time to trick people into giving away information
3. Common Threats During Tax Season
Phishing: Fake emails, texts, or calls pretending to be from tax authorities or tax services
Fake Websites: Sites that look real but steal your login details or financial info
Malware: Harmful software that can steal data from your computer
Weak Passwords: Using simple or repeated passwords makes it easy for hackers
4. Where Are You Most at Risk?
Public Wi-Fi: Filing taxes on public networks without encryption can expose your data
Old Devices: Outdated computers or phones are easier to hack
Unprotected Sharing: Sending tax files by regular email or chat apps isn’t safe
Third-Party Services: Tax preparers or accountants with weak security can put you at risk
5. How to Stay Safe During Tax Season
a. Keep Your Devices and Software Updated
Always install the latest updates for your computer, phone, and tax software
Remove apps you don’t use
b. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Create passwords that are long and hard to guess
Don’t reuse passwords across different sites
Use a password manager if possible
c. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add an extra step to logins, like a code sent to your phone
e. Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
Watch for emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS or CRA asking for personal info
Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown sources
Check the sender’s email address for legitimacy
f. IRS or CRA Will Never Ask You to Pay Your Tax in Bitcoin or Any other Cryptocurrency
Watch for emails or texts claiming to be from IRS or CRA saying your tax is overdue and to pay them in Bitcoin
Do not pay taxes in Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency
Delete the email immediately, and report to authorities
g. Be Careful with Sharing Documents
Use secure portals or encrypted email to share sensitive documents
Don’t send sensitive files over regular email or messaging apps
h. Vet Your Tax Professional
Ask about their security measures before sharing your information
Make sure they use secure portals and practice basic cybersecurity
i. Monitor Your Accounts
Check your bank, tax and credit accounts for any unusual activity
Set up alerts if your bank or service offers them.
j. Store Documents Securely
Keep digital tax files in secure, password-protected folders
Store physical copies in a locked and safe place
Shred any documents you don’t need
k. File Early
File your taxes as soon as you have everything ready. It lowers the risk of someone filing a fake return in your name.
It also eliminates rushing through the filing, where people are more likely to make mistakes or be more careless
l. Report Scams
If you get a suspicious message or think your info was stolen, report it to the IRS, CRA, or your local tax authority right away
6. Why Security Matters
Identity Theft: If your ID or financial data is stolen, it can be used for fraud
Financial Loss: Stolen information can lead to lost refunds or money from your accounts
Legal Trouble: Mishandling tax data can cause legal or compliance problems for businesses
7. Quick Tips
Use trusted tax software or professionals
Train your team on the basics of phishing and safe document handling
Keep records of who accesses your tax documents
Review and improve your security continuously
Final Thoughts
Tax season is a prime time for cybercrime. By following these simple steps, you can protect your personal and business information from hackers. Stay alert, update your tools, and use secure methods for handling your taxes.
Need help securing your business this tax season? Contact RF Wave to learn how we help keep your systems and data secure.