Six cybersecurity musts for tax pros

A dizzying array of cyber-threats confront tax professionals: malware, viruses, ransomware, Trojan horses, bots – not to mention the confusing terminology. One surety about your computers: Crooks can use them to get to you and your clients.

The Internal Revenue Service and the Security Summit partners have outlined the “Security Six,” the must-have steps to secure taxpayer data on computers and email.

Generally anti-virus software scans files or a computer’s memory for certain patterns that may indicate the presence of malicious software (i.e., malware). When selecting an anti-virus package, learn about its features so you know what to expect. Once you install an anti-virus package, scan your entire computer periodically.

Keep security software set to automatically receive the latest updates so that it is always current. Never click links within pop-up windows, download “free” software from a pop-up or follow email links that offer anti-spyware software.

These shield your computer or network from malicious or unnecessary network traffic and prevent malware from accessing the network. Firewalls may be broadly categorized as hardware or software.

Hardware, a.k.a. network firewalls, are external devices positioned between a computer and the internet. Many vendors and some ISPs offer integrated small office/home office routers that also include firewall features. Hardware-based firewalls are particularly useful for protecting multiple computers.

Most operating systems include a built-in firewall feature that should be enabled. Firewall software can also be obtained from a local computer store, software vendor or ISP. If downloading firewall software from the internet, make sure it’s from a reputable source and offered via a secure site.

Firewalls primarily help protect against malicious traffic and not against malware, and may not protect the device if you accidentally install malware.