As tax season approaches, Custom Technologies, Inc. shares expert cybersecurity tips for Metro Atlanta business owners. Protect your sensitive data, secure communications, and prevent cyberattacks during this busy season.
Tax season can be a hectic time for businesses—while you’re focused on preparing financial documents and meeting deadlines, cybercriminals see an opportunity to strike. For business owners in Metro Atlanta, staying vigilant is critical. Custom Technologies, Inc. is here to help you understand why tax season attracts hackers and how you can secure your business against their tactics.
Why Tax Season Attracts Cybercriminals
Cybercriminals are drawn to tax season for several reasons:
- Increased Exchange of Sensitive Data:
During tax season, businesses exchange confidential financial and personal information—internally and with external partners such as accountants or payroll providers. This creates multiple vulnerability points, especially through fraudulent e-mails. - Tight Deadlines Lead to Mistakes:
Under pressure to meet deadlines, employees may inadvertently click on malicious links or open unsafe attachments, increasing the risk of phishing scams and malware infiltrations. - Higher Volume of E-mails:
The surge in e-mail traffic—from tax forms to payment requests—provides cybercriminals with an opportunity to send convincing phishing e-mails designed to intercept sensitive data. - Widespread Scams Targeting Taxpayers:
Hackers often impersonate trusted entities like the IRS or tax preparation services to trick businesses into sharing confidential information or making fraudulent payments.
Common Tax Season Threats to Watch Out For
- Phishing E-mails: Fraudulent messages posing as IRS notices, bookkeepers, or tax services that aim to capture sensitive data.
- Fake Invoices or Payment Requests: Scammers send counterfeit invoices or urgent payment demands to trick businesses into wiring money.
- Ransomware Attacks: Cybercriminals encrypt vital financial data and demand a ransom for its release.
- Social Engineering: Impersonation through phone calls or e-mails that mimic trusted contacts, such as accountants or payroll providers, to extract confidential information.
How to Protect Your Business This Tax Season
- Train Your Team:
Educate employees on the latest scams and best practices to recognize phishing attempts. Encourage them to:- Verify e-mail senders before opening attachments or clicking on links.
- Exercise caution with urgent payment requests or unexpected account updates.
- Report suspicious e-mails immediately.
- Secure Your Communications:
Ensure all sensitive data exchanges are encrypted. Utilize secure portals or file-sharing tools rather than e-mail to transmit confidential tax documents. - Implement Multifactor Authentication (MFA):
Require MFA for access to financial systems, e-mail accounts, and tax-related platforms. This additional layer of security can help protect your business even if passwords are compromised. - Conduct a Cybersecurity Audit:
Work with Custom Technologies, Inc. to identify vulnerabilities before hackers can exploit them. Focus on:- Updating software and applying necessary patches.
- Securing network endpoints and devices.
- Verifying the integrity of your data backups.
- Verify All Financial Requests:
Double-check payment requests—especially those involving large sums or sensitive accounts—by confirming details through a secondary communication method (like a phone call) to ensure authenticity.
Tax season doesn’t have to be an open invitation for cybercriminals. By staying vigilant, educating your team, and implementing robust cybersecurity measures, you can safeguard your Atlanta business from costly breaches and data loss.
Let Custom Technologies, Inc. help you secure your business this tax season. Start with a FREE Network Assessment to uncover potential vulnerabilities and ensure your systems are ready to face any cyber threats. Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment now!
