Agency Offers Advice Against Digital Identity Fraud by Tax Officials
In today's digital age, protecting sensitive information has become more important than ever. Here are some essential tips to help you secure your online activities and safeguard your identity and financial information.
Public Wireless Networks
Be cautious when using public wireless networks as they are often not secure. These networks may allow sensitive information to be accessed, making them a potential risk for data breaches.
Security Software
To keep pace with the evolving malware, it's crucial to set your security software to update automatically. Essential tools for security software include a firewall, virus/malware protection, and file encryption for sensitive documents.
Online Shopping and Banking
When shopping or banking online, look for "https" at the beginning of the web address to ensure the site uses encryption. This small detail can make a significant difference in protecting your personal and financial information.
Passwords
Use passwords of eight or more characters, mixing letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common words, your name, or your birthdate. These simple practices can help strengthen your passwords and make them less susceptible to hacking.
Virtual Lawyering
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin, Whatsapp, and Email are tools that virtual lawyers may use in their practice. However, understanding which virtual lawyering tools and technologies are most beneficial for a specific practice is essential to ensure efficiency and security.
Additional Protective Measures
Beyond the commonly recommended actions, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) suggests several additional protective measures to safeguard identity and financial information from scammers. These include applying for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), encrypting and password-protecting tax documents, regularly checking IRS accounts and tax transcripts for unauthorized activity, and verifying all IRS communications carefully.
Phishing
Avoid e-mail phishing attempts by never replying to emails, texts, or pop-up messages asking for personal, tax, or financial information. Unsolicited electronic contacts claiming to be from the IRS should be verified independently to prevent phishing.
Protecting Innovative AI Products
In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, the protection of innovative AI products offered as services is a critical concern for businesses. As these products become more prevalent, ensuring their security will become increasingly important.
IRS Recommendations
For more information, read the IRS Publication 4524, Security Awareness for Taxpayers. This publication provides valuable insights into protecting your identity and financial information from scammers.
Remember, a robust defense against identity theft and tax-related scams includes using strong, unique passwords, regularly reviewing financial statements, and being vigilant against phishing attempts. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your digital life remains secure.
- To safeguard your personal-finance and financial information online, consider using a firewall, virus/malware protection, and file encryption while ensuring your security software updates automatically, especially when using public wireless networks.
- When shopping or managing your financial matters online, verify the security of the website by checking for "https" in the web address, and avoid sharing your sensitive information through suspicious or unsolicited phishing emails, texts, or pop-up messages.
