ThreatSTOP Blog

Protect Your Business: Navigating Tax Season Cyber Threats

Written by Sean Depolo | March 28, 2024

Tax season is here again, and while it's a time for financial housekeeping, it's also prime time for cybercriminals. But don't worry, we're here with some straightforward tips to help keep your business safe and sound.

The Threat at Hand

Let’s paint the picture: it's tax season, and your company is buzzing with activity. Amidst all this, cybercrooks are on the prowl for any data they can grab – especially the info on those W-2 forms. It’s a real threat, but with the right steps, you can shield your company effectively.

Understanding the Cyber Threats

There are two big threats during tax season – Phishing and Business Email Compromise (BEC).

  • Phishing is when someone tries to trick you into giving out personal information through fake emails or links, ever get an email asking for your bank's username and password?  But the logo was slightly off?

  • BEC is a sneakier version where fraudsters impersonate someone you trust, like a senior employee, and try to make you send money or sensitive info their way.  Many people have experienced something like this, for example, when your CEO texts you from an unknown number claiming they are in a meeting and asks you to run down to store and buy an Apple Gift Card.

How to Shield yourself

Here's a game plan:

  1. Educate Your Team: Make sure your employees are aware of these threats. A little knowledge goes a long way in preventing data breaches.

  2. Strengthen Access Controls: Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure that only the right people have access to important data.

  3. Filter Out the Bad Stuff: Implementing email filtering solutions can help catch harmful emails before they reach your team.

  4. Encrypt Your Data: Keep your financial information safe by encrypting files, especially those being sent over the internet.

  5. Stay Up to Date: Regularly update your software to protect against the latest cyber threats.

  6. Network Segmentation: Think of it as organizing your network into separate, secure rooms instead of one big open space. This way, if trouble pops up in one area, it doesn't spread everywhere else. It’s about keeping the bad stuff contained and making your network easier to manage and protect. Like having fire doors in a building – if something goes wrong, it won’t take the whole place down.

  7. Leverage ThreatSTOP’s Expertise: Our DNS Defense Cloud and IP Defense tools are your allies in this fight. They prevent malware from communicating with attackers, stopping cyber threats in their tracks.

Conclusion

Tax season doesn't have to be a stressful time filled with worries about cyber threats. With some awareness, the right practices, and ThreatSTOP's cutting-edge protection, you can keep your company’s data safe. Remember, it’s all about staying proactive and informed.

Let's keep those cybercriminals at bay and make this tax season a secure one for your business. Together, we can ensure that your company remains a safe haven for data and a no-go zone for fraudsters. Here's to a successful and secure tax season!

For those interested in joining the ThreatSTOP family, or to learn more about our proactive protections for all environments, we invite you to visit our product page. Discover how our solutions can make a significant difference in your digital security landscape.  We have pricing for all sizes of customers! Get started with a Demo today!

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