IRS stresses data protection

DALLAS - With the 2022 filing season coming soon and online holiday shopping in full swing, the Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the nation’s tax industry are promoting the 6th annual National Tax Security Awareness Week with tips on basic safeguards everyone should take.

The initiative highlights simple steps such as using antivirus software and strong passwords.

The agency also points out common tactics used by identity thieves to target taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals.

“The most common way cybercrooks steal your personal or business information is by simply asking for it, usually by email, voice or text,”  said Clay Sanford, an IRS spokesman.

“Fraudulent messages may appear to be from a trusted company””possibly disguised as your bank or your favorite online retailer.”

Since forming the Security Summit partnership in 2015, the IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry have made significant inroads into tax-related identity theft.

While the Summit partners continue to improve their internal defenses, more help is needed from taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals to better protect the data that identity thieves need to file fraudulent tax returns.

Sanford said increasing public awareness about people’s role in protecting their own data is a critical part of the Security Summit efforts.

Here are some important measures everyone should remember during the holidays and as the 2022 tax season approaches:

•  Don’t forget to use security software for computers and mobile phones, and keep it updated.

•  Make sure purchased anti-virus software has a feature to stop malware, and there is a firewall that can prevent intrusions.

•  Phishing scams ““ like imposter emails, calls and texts ““ are the No. 1 way thieves steal personal data. Examine messages carefully. Don’t open links or attachments on suspicious emails.

•  Use strong and unique passwords for online accounts. Use a phrase or series of words that can be easily remembered or use a password manager.

•  Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Many email providers and social media sites offer this feature. It helps prevents thieves from easily hacking accounts.

•  Shop at sites where the web address begins with “https” , the “s”  is for secure communications over the computer network.  Also, look for the “padlock”  icon in the browser window.

•  Don’t shop on unsecured public Wi-Fi in places like a mall. Remember, thieves can eavesdrop.

• At home, secure home Wi-Fis with a password. With more homes connected to the web, secured systems become more important, from wireless printers, wireless door locks to wireless thermometers. These can be access points for identity thieves.

•  Back up files on computers and mobile phones. A cloud service or an external hard drive can be used to copy information from computers or phones, providing an important place to recover financial or tax data.

•  Working from home?  Consider creating a virtual private network (VPN) to securely connect to your workplace.

Find more information in IRS Publication 4457, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data.