Good cybersecurity habits can protect your personal information

During tax season, many people have a heightened awareness around protecting their personal tax and financial information. While extra attention is good at any time, individuals should work toward a good cybersecurity habit by taking proactive steps to safeguard their information. Here are a few ways recommended by the IRS to help build good cybersecurity habits:

• Treat personal information like cash. Don’t give it away to just anyone! Thieves use a variety of sources to steal money or open new accounts, including Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, banking information, and utility accounts.
• Be discriminating before sharing information. When online, do not enter your personal information if you aren’t sure that the site verified reputable and encrypted. Does the site URL match the company name? Are things spelled correctly and well-organized? Are they requesting information they actually need to complete your transaction? If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t!
• Use strong passwords. Don’t become complacent about your passwords. Don’t reuse the same password in multiple places. Try to be unpredictable – mix letters, numbers, and special characters. Use 10-12 characters to create a password unique password phrase or series of words you can remember. Opt for multi-factor authentication processes when it is an option for a password-protected account.
• Avoid phishing scams. One of the most common ways criminals steal sensitive data is by simply asking for it! Through emails, phone calls, or text, thieves pose familiar organizations to steal your data. Be aware that unsolicited emails that ask you to download an attachment or click on a URL could be trying to steal your information. Don’t assume that internet ads, pop-ups or emails are from reputable companies. Learn to recognize phishing emails with these tips from the IRS.
• Use security software. Good anti-virus and security software is a worthwhile investment. Set it to update automatically so it can keep you protected from emerging threats.
• Back-up your files. No system is completely secure. Copy important files, including federal and state tax returns, onto removable discs or back-up drives and cloud storage.

As a reminder, the IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Generally, the IRS first mails a paper bill to a person who owes taxes. In some special situations, the IRS will call or come to a home or business.

Be alert to scammers posing as the IRS to steal personal information. There are ways to know if it’s really the IRS calling or knocking on someone’s door.

If you receive an unexpected communication about your taxes, ask your DSB Rock Island team about it.