We urge you to be safe online and remind you to take important steps to help pro-

tect yourself against identity theft.

Tips to Protect Your Computer Online

Here are some good practices you can follow to protect your tax and

financial information:

Understand and Use Security SoftwareGenerally, all operating systems will include security software, but free security software from well-known companies or Internet providers is also available. Essential security tools include a firewall, virus/malware protection and file encryption programs for the documents on your computer. Use them to protect your privacy online as well as offline.

Allow Security Software to Take UpdatesSet your security software to update automatically. This will save your system from new threats from malware (malicious software) which is constantly evolving. Make sure your security software suite is updated routinely to keep pace.

Look for the “S” for Encrypted “https” WebsitesWhen shopping or banking online, always look to see that the site uses en-cryption to protect your information. Look for https at the beginning of the web address. The “s” is for secure. Unencrypted sites begin with an http address. Additionally, make sure the https carries through on all pages, not just the sign-on page.

Use Strong Password Combinations Use secure passwords which should mix letters, numbers and special charac-ters. Don’t use your name or birthdate. Don’t use the same password for sev-eral accounts. Most importantly, don’t share your password with anyone. Calls, texts or emails pretending to be from legitimate companies or the IRS asking you to update your accounts or seeking personal financial information are generally scams.

Secure Your Wireless NetworkIf your home or business Wi-Fi is unsecured then generate a password today, because unsecured Wi-Fi allows any computer within range to access your wireless and steal information from your computer. Criminals also can use your wireless to send spam or commit crimes that would be traced back to your account. Always encrypt your wireless.

Be Cautious While Using Public Wi-FiPublic Wi-Fi hotspots are convenient but often not secure. Tax or financial in-formation you send though websites or mobile apps may be accessed by someone else. If a public Wi-Fi hotspot does not require a password, it prob-ably is not secure. It’s suggested to avoid sensitive transitions through such networks or look for the “s” in https in the website address to ensure that the information will be secure.

Avoid Phishing AttemptsNever reply to emails, texts or pop-up messages asking for your personal, tax or financial info. One common trick by criminals is to impersonate a busi-ness such as your financial institution, tax software provider or the IRS, ask-ing you to update your account and providing a link. Go directly to the organi-zation’s website. Legitimate businesses don’t ask you to send sensitive in-formation through unsecured channels.

To Learn MoreVisit

www.taxassistancegroup.orgOr Call

(855) 549-7829

Source: Seven Tips to Protect Your Computer Online, IRS Security Awareness Tax Tip Number 1, November 23, 2015. https://www.irs.gov/uac/Seven-Tips-to-Protect-Your-Computer-Online