National Tax Security Awareness Week

During the week of December 3 - 7, the IRS, State Tax agencies, and the Tax Industry observed “National Tax Security Awareness Week” which has been an initiative to provide resources to individuals and businesses in the interest of protecting their tax data and identities ahead of and through the 2019 tax season.

Below, we compiled a list of the releases from the IRS that are applicable to individuals AND business owners.

  • For employers - IR-2018-243, Security Summit warns employers: Be alert to identity theft and W-2 scams

  • Password guidance - IR-2018-241, Security Summit Partners highlight new password guidance, urge taxpayers and practitioners to protect all accounts

  • What you need to know about phishing scams - IR-2018-240, IRS sees surge in email phishing scams; Summit Partners urge taxpayers: ‘Don’t Take the Bait’ 

  • Identity theft during shopping season - IR-2018-238, IRS, Security Summit Partners warn public: It’s shopping season for identity thieves, too; Tax Security Awareness Week offers tips

  • Overview and introduction to Tax Security Awareness Week - IR-2018-228, Security Summit plans National Tax Security Awareness Week, Dec. 3-7; New Twitter handle launched, ‘Dark Web’ webinar planned

The IRS has also offered some general advice when it comes to reviewing internal controls for a business.

  • Install anti-malware and anti-virus security software on all devices, such as laptops, desktops, routers, tablets and phones. Keep software set to automatically update.

  • Create passwords of at least eight characters; longer is better. Use different passwords for each account, use special and alphanumeric characters, use phrases, password protect wireless devices and consider a password manager program.

  • Encrypt all sensitive files and emails using strong password protections.

  • Back up sensitive data to a safe and secure external source not connected full time to a network.

  • Wipe clean or destroy old computer hard drives and printers that contain sensitive data.

  • Limit access of taxpayer data to individuals who need to know.

We hope you find these tips useful, and if you have any further questions or would like some suggestions on the best security solutions for you, give us a call at (253) 830-5450 or e-mail info@dotygroupcpas.com.

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