IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig described the combination of tax filing season, COVID, and work-from-home as hunting season for online thieves. Dark web scammers are the hunters and you are the game, unfortunately.
Here are ways to protect yourself:
• Install anti-virus software with a feature to stop malware.
• Update your security software for both computers and mobile phones.
• Install a firewall that can prevent intrusions.
• Create a virtual private network (VPN) to securely connect at home to your workplace.
• Secure home Wi-Fi with passwords for your wireless printers and wireless door locks.
• Use strong and unique passwords for online accounts with a phrase or series of words.
• Use multi-factor authentication to prevent thieves from easily hacking your bank accounts.
• Back up files on computers and mobile phones. Use a cloud service or an external hard drive.
• Don’t open links or attachments on suspicious emails.
• Shop at sites where the web address begins with “https” (the “s” is for secure communications).
• Prefer secure web pages that show a “padlock” icon in the browser window.
• Don’t shop on unsecured public Wi-Fi in places like a mall where thieves eavesdrop.
Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV – Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation.
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He retired after 50 years of defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He published a book on “How to Avoid or Survive IRS Audits” that’s available at Amazon. Readers may email tax questions to [email protected].