The Internal Revenue Service,
the states and the tax industry urge you to be safe online and remind
you to take important steps to help protect yourself against identity
theft.
Taxes. Security. Together. Working in partnership with you, we can make a difference.
Scammers, hackers and identity
thieves are looking to steal your personal information – and your money.
But there are simple steps you can take to help protect yourself, like
keeping your computer software up-to-date and giving out your personal
information only when you have a good reason.
We all have a role to play to protect your tax account. There are
just a few easy and practical steps you can take to protect yourself as
you conduct your personal business online.Here are some best practices you can follow to protect your tax and financial information:
1. Understand and Use Security Software.
Security software helps protect your computer against the digital
threats which are prevalent online. Generally, your operating system
will include security software or you can access free security software
from well-known companies or Internet providers. Other options may have
an annual licensing fee and offer more features. Essential tools include
a firewall, virus/malware protection and file encryption if you keep
sensitive financial/tax documents on your computer. Security suites
often come with firewall, anti-virus and anti-spam, parental controls
and privacy protection. File encryption to protect your saved documents
may have to be purchased separately. Do not buy security software
offered as an unexpected pop-up ad on your computer or email! It’s
likely from a scammer.
2. Allow Security Software to Update Automatically.
Set your security software to update automatically. Malware – malicious
software – evolves constantly and your security software suite is
updated routinely to keep pace.
3. Look for the “S” for encrypted “https” websites.
When shopping or banking online, always look to see that the site uses
encryption to protect your information. Look for https at the beginning
of the web address. The “s” is for secure. Unencrypted sites begin with
an http address. Additionally, make sure the https carries through on
all pages, not just the sign-on page.
4. Use Strong Passwords.
Use passwords of at least 10 to 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers
and special characters. Don’t use your name, birthdate or common words.
Don’t use the same password for several accounts. Keep your password
list in a secure place or use a password manager. Don’t share your
password with anyone. Calls, texts or emails pretending to be from
legitimate companies or the IRS asking you to update your accounts or
seeking personal financial information are generally scams.
5. Secure your wireless network.
A wireless network sends a signal through the air that allows you to
connect to the Internet. If your home or business wi-fi is unsecured it
also allows any computer within range to access your wireless and steal
information from your computer. Criminals also can use your wireless to
send spam or commit crimes that would be traced back to your account.
Always encrypt your wireless. Generally, you must turn on this feature
and create a password.
6. Be cautious when using public wireless networks.
Public wi-fi hotspots are convenient but often not secure. Tax or
financial Information you send though websites or mobile apps may be
accessed by someone else. If a public Wi-Fi hotspot does not require a
password, it probably is not secure. If you are transmitting sensitive
information, look for the “s” in https in the website address to ensure
that the information will be secure.
7. Avoid phishing attempts.
Never reply to emails, texts or pop-up messages asking for your
personal, tax or financial information. One common trick by criminals is
to impersonate a business such as your financial institution, tax
software provider or the IRS, asking you to update your account and
providing a link. Never click on links even if they seem to be from
organizations you trust. Go directly to the organization’s website.
Legitimate businesses don’t ask you to send sensitive information
through unsecured channels.
To learn additional steps you can take to protect your personal and financial data, visit Taxes. Security. Together. Also read Publication 4524, Security Awareness for Taxpayers.
Each and every taxpayer has a set of fundamental rights they should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. These are your Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Explore your rights and our obligations to protect them on IRS.gov.
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