Tax season is a time when cybercriminals are on the prowl, seeking to harvest sensitive information from consumers for identity theft and fraud purposes.
Email phishing scams are a prevalent issue during this time. These fraudulent emails often impersonate government agencies or lodge tax return online preparers.
1. Two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is an additional measure websites and services can take to verify you are who you say you are. This helps deter hackers and scammers from using stolen passwords or usernames to gain access to personal accounts. Ipqualityscore offers advanced phishing URL detection solutions to help you stay safe online by identifying and blocking malicious URLs that may be used for phishing attacks.
Two factor authentication (2FA) is a popular method, usually delivered to your mobile phone through text message or generated by an app online accountant. This convenient and secure approach guarantees users are verified through their phone number.
Other options for 2FA include security keys and biometric data such as fingerprints, voice or facial scans. While these methods provide additional protection, they also extend the time needed to confirm a user’s identity.
2. Authentication via email
Authenticating via email is a critical security measure that can keep your sensitive information safe. It encrypts your messages, shielding them from being read by malicious parties.
The IRS strongly suggests enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA) for enhanced security against hacker takeover attempts. Without these measures in place, thieves can quickly complete pending returns, alter refund information, and file fraudulent returns.
MFA and 2FA require two additional data points beyond just the username and password to confirm an individual’s identity. These could include a one-time passcode received on a mobile phone or application, facial recognition software or fingerprint scans.
The IRS advises you to file your taxes as soon as possible in order to avoid delays. Furthermore, they suggest doing due diligence to verify the legitimacy of the tax return you’re filing.
3. Encryption
Encryption is essential when it comes to safeguarding your sensitive information. Without it, criminals would have easy access to your personal details and could even use it to impersonate you online and demand a ransom in exchange for access.
A trusted online tax app, adheres to industry standard best practices to safeguard your data from malicious parties. This includes using SSL – the secure sockets layer which underpins many modern Internet connections – for added protection of sensitive information.
Encryption can be a complex process to implement, but the benefits are worth the effort. Not only will it save you money and stress, but it will also build customer trust. Our ratings of the best tax apps use multi-factor authentication to confirm your identity and prevent phishing scams. It is recommended to take an inventory of all devices containing client data – laptops, tablets and USB drives – just in case. Keeping your data secure is key for maintaining both successful businesses and contented clients alike.
4. Security measures
No matter if you file taxes online or offline, your sensitive information needs to be safeguarded. Fortunately, many tax apps take security measures to guarantee that your data remains secure from malicious attacks and hacking attempts.
Protecting your data requires using strong passwords for all accounts, including those related to taxes. These credentials should be unique, complex and updated regularly.
Consider adding Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), also known as 2FA, to your username and password for added protection. This can be accomplished via email or text code sent directly to a mobile phone.
Conclusion
These steps can make it much more difficult for cybercriminals to steal your data, especially if you work remotely. The IRS, state tax agencies and the national tax industry have joined forces this summer in launching the Working Virtually: Protecting Your Tax Data at Home and at Work series.
