Tax Tip 2021-113: Multi-factor authentication is essential to protecting against data theft

IRS Tax Tips August 4, 2021
Useful Links: IRS.gov Help For Hurricane Victims News Essentials What's Hot News Releases IRS - The Basics IRS Guidance Media Contacts Facts & Figures Around The Nation e-News Subscriptions The Newsroom Topics Multimedia Center Noticias en Español Radio PSAs Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts The Tax Gap Fact Sheets IRS Tax Tips Armed Forces Latest News IRS Resources Compliance & Enforcement News Contact Your Local IRS Office Filing Your Taxes Forms & Instructions Frequently Asked Questions Taxpayer Advocate Service Where to File IRS Social Media	Issue Number: Tax Tip 2021-113 Multi-factor authentication is essential to protecting against data theft The IRS and its Security Summit partners recently kicked off their annual summer campaign. This year's theme, Boost Security Immunity: Fight Against Identity Theft, urges tax pros to step up their efforts to protect client data. One way they can do this is by using multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication, also known as two-factor authentication, allows a tax professional or taxpayer to use another feature such as a security code sent to a mobile device, a pin number or a fingerprint in addition to the username and password. A thief may steal usernames and passwords but cannot access accounts without the additional multifactor feature. Client information stolen from tax professionals' offices is used to create fraudulent tax returns that are difficult to detect because the identity thief is using real financial data. Tax professionals also should use multi-factor authentication features anywhere it is offered, such as commercial email products and cloud storage providers. Multi-factor authentication is available on all online tax software products and should be used by tax pros and taxpayers Multi-factor authentication is just one of several security steps tax pros – and taxpayers – should use to protect sensitive data. Other steps include: • Using anti-virus software and set it for automatic updates. Anti-virus software scans existing files and drives on computers - and mobile phones – to protect from malware. • Using a firewall to shield digital devices from external attacks. • Using backup software/services to protect data. Making a copy of files can be crucial, especially if the user becomes a victim of a ransomware attack. • Using drive encryption to secure computer locations where sensitive files are stored. Encryption makes data on the files unreadable to unauthorized users. • Creating and securing Virtual Private Networks. A VPN provides a secure, encrypted tunnel to transmit data between a remote user via the Internet and the company network. Search for "Best VPNs" to find a legitimate vendor; major technology sites often provide lists of top services. Federal law requires all professional tax preparers to create and implement a data security plan. The IRS also recommends tax professionals create a data theft response plan, which includes contacting the IRS Stakeholder Liaisons to report a theft. More information: Identity Theft Central Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data Publication 5293, Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals Share this tip on social media -- #IRSTaxTip: Multi-factor authentication is essential to protecting against data theft https://go.usa.gov/xFKBb Back to Top         Thank you for subscribing to IRS Tax Tips, an IRS e-mail service. For more information on federal taxes please visit IRS.gov. This message was distributed automatically from the IRS Tax Tips mailing list. Please Do Not Reply To This Message.

 

---

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

---

This email was sent to business.solutions.ve@gmail.com by: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) · Internal Revenue Service · 1111 Constitution Ave. N.W. · Washington DC 20535