IRS and Security Summit Partners Provide Security Tips during National Cybersecurity Month

As National Cybersecurity Month comes to a close and tax season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and its Security Summit partners are reminding taxpayers, including families with children, to stay vigilant against potential online threats.

Without adequate online security, thieves can steal personal information. The IRS and its Security Summit partners encourage everyone to review the available resources as National Cybersecurity Month concludes.

Security Summit members have joined the IRS to protect taxpayers from tax-related identity theft. The Summit consists of members from the software industry, tax preparation companies, tax product financial processors, and payroll processors, along with state tax administrators and the IRS, who work together to protect taxpayers throughout the year.

The IRS urges families to be aware of the dangers associated with cyber networks. Whether shopping online or browsing social media, those less familiar with online security can put their personal information at risk from criminals.

Online Security Tips

In recognition of the national focus on cybersecurity awareness in October, here are some practices to help protect against cyber attacks.

Recognize scams and report phishing. It’s important to remember that the IRS does not use text messages or social media to discuss personal tax matters, such as those involving tax refunds, payments, or tax bills.

Protect personal information. Avoid revealing too much personal information online. Birth dates, addresses, age, and financial information, such as bank account numbers and social security numbers, are among the information that should not be freely shared. Encrypt confidential files, such as tax records stored on computers.

Use secure passwords. Consider using a password manager.

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on online accounts. Use this for added security on online accounts.

Update computer and phone security software. Enable automatic updates to install critical security updates.

Use security software. For example, antivirus protection, firewall, etc.

Use a VPN. Criminals can intercept personal information on unsecured public wifi networks. People are advised to always use a virtual private network when connecting to a public wifi network.