The pandemic has opened our eyes to the dangers of cyber attacks, especially in a remote working environment. Protecting client data is important now more than ever, especially during tax season. In this article, we’ll discuss the potential risks of data breaches when it comes to tax season, and best tips for keeping client data protected. 

What risks should I consider this tax season when it comes to protecting client data? 

1. Phishing attacks. These attacks are one of the most common forms of cyber attacks, whether you’re an individual or a business. Phishing occurs when the hacker impersonates a trusted email sender in an effort to get the recipient to click on a bad link. Hackers are smart, and know how to make it look discrete. When the link is clicked, the recipient will unknowingly install malware or ransomware, giving the hacker the ability to potentially access data. When using email to share important client data, be weary that emails are one of the easiest places for hackers to infiltrate. Check out one of our other blogs to learn more about preventing and identifying phishing attacks. 

2. Untrustworthy recipients. The sad truth is, most people are careless when it comes to managing their own privacy. This is especially true, especially when they’re trying to run everything from their own home office. Internet connections could be publicly shared, and malware could be prevalent on a home computer, with no way to stop or prevent it. Even if your side is secure and you have trust in sending your financial details, it might not be the same on the other end. Now that home and work lives have converged, trusting can be a gamble. 

3. Systems that aren’t cloud based. If you aren’t using cloud services to secure your data, it’s time to make the switch. Strong passwords and security habits can only go so far, and you should never underestimate the power of a hacker. They could steal your data from your hard drive and hold it ransom by hacking your home internet connection. Utilizing the cloud is a much more secure method for storing and sharing client data.

4. Unsecured internet connections. There’s an assumption that home WiFi is just as secure as being at the office, but this is far from the truth. Passwords are often shared with family members and house guests, and rarely strong enough. Make sure your internet access is restricted, you’re using strong passwords, and you change those passwords frequently. Our suggestion would be to get a router that can broadcast to two private networks within the same house.

5. SMS. While it’s pretty understood that sending data over text is discouraged, you’d be surprised at how many people still do it. Just because the device is encrypted, doesn’t mean a hacker can’t code their way into a cell tower and take over your device. 

Understanding the risks of data loss during tax season is the first step in protecting your client’s data. If you’re still weary about the risks, hiring a professional for managed data backup is a great next step. And Thinline Technologies can help! We provide a variety of IT consulting solutions, and can set your small business business up for success and provide peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!