With tax season around the corner, cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. As National Cybersecurity Awareness Month wraps up, the IRS and its Security Summit partners remind taxpayers to remain alert to online threats. From social media to online shopping, staying secure online can prevent identity theft and tax fraud.
Whether you’re managing finances or simply scrolling online, these cybersecurity practices from the IRS and Security Summit can help you and your family stay protected.
1. Recognize Scams and Report Phishing
The IRS will never contact you about personal tax issues through unsolicited emails or social media. If you receive such a message, avoid replying, clicking links, or opening attachments. Instead, forward the email (with headers intact) to [email protected] and then delete it.
2. Guard Your Personal Information
Limit the information you share online. Avoid posting personal details such as your birthdate, address, or financial information on social media or unsecured sites. For sensitive files like tax records, encryption adds an extra layer of protection.
3. Use Strong Passwords
A strong password is your first line of defense against cybercriminals. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords, making it easier to keep them unique across multiple sites.
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring more than just a password to access your account. This simple step can make it much harder for cybercriminals to break into your accounts.
5. Keep Software Updated
Stay one step ahead of threats by keeping your software up-to-date. Enable automatic updates for your operating system, anti-virus, and firewall protections to install critical security patches as they’re released.
6. Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi
When using public Wi-Fi, your personal information is more vulnerable to interception. A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, keeping it secure even on public networks.
Stay vigilant and keep cybersecurity top of mind as you prepare for tax season. A few proactive steps can go a long way in protecting your information.
For further resources, explore the IRS’s cybersecurity tips with the Security Summit’s guidance to stay safe and secure all year round.