With cyberthieves active during COVID-19, the Internal Revenue Service and its Security Summit partners today urged tax professionals and other business owners to review critical security steps to ensure they protect customer data when working virtually.  Many tax professionals and other businesses have expanded telework options this year as firms and other businesses work to keep personnel safe, practice recommended safety guidelines and use technology to serve their clients/customer virtually.

(This post is excerpted from IRS Information Release (IR) 2020-167 issued 7/21/20.)

During this period, the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have urged organizations to maintain a heightened state of alert as cybercriminals seek to exploit Covid-19 concerns.

To assist businesses with the security basics, the IRS, state tax agencies and nation’s tax industry are launching a five-part series called Working Virtually: Protecting Tax Data at Home and at Work. The special series is designed to help practitioners assess their home and office data security.  Most of these recommendations translate to other businesses that have team member working remotely, which is why it is presented here in this blog post.

The first recommendation covers the “Security Six” – basic steps that should be taken for every work location by team members handling sensitive data.

1. Anti-virus software

Although details may vary between commercial products, anti-virus software scans computer files or memory for certain patterns that may indicate the presence of malicious software (also called malware). Anti-virus software (sometimes more broadly referred to as anti-malware software) looks for patterns based on the signatures or definitions of known malware from cybercriminals. Anti-virus vendors find new issues and malware daily, so it is important that people have the latest updates installed on their computer.

Once users have installed an anti-virus package, they should scan their entire computer regularly by doing:

• Automatic scans – Most anti-virus software can be configured to automatically scan specific files or directories in real time and prompt users at set intervals to perform complete scans.
• Manual scans – If the anti-virus software does not automatically scan new files, users should manually scan files and media received from an outside source before opening them. This manual process includes:
  • Saving and scanning email attachments or web downloads rather than opening them directly from the source.
  • Scanning portable media, including CDs, for malware before opening files.

Sometimes the software will produce a dialog box with an alert that it has found malware and asks whether users want it to “clean” the file (to remove the malware). In other cases, the software may attempt to remove the malware without asking first.

When selecting an anti-virus package, tax professionals and other business owners should learn about its features, so they know what to expect. Remember, keep security software set to automatically receive the latest updates so that it is always current.

A reminder about spyware, a category of malware intended to steal sensitive data and passwords without the user’s knowledge: Strong security software should protect against spyware. But remember, never click links within pop-up windows, never download “free” software from a pop-up, and never follow email links that offer anti-spyware software. The links and pop-ups may be installing the spyware they claim to be eliminating.

A reminder about phishing emails: A strong security package also should contain anti-phishing capabilities. Never open an email from a suspicious source, click on a link in a suspicious email or open an attachment – to avoid being the victim of a phishing attack and having clients’ and firm data compromised.

2. Firewalls

Firewalls provide protection against outside attackers by shielding a computer or network from malicious or unnecessary web traffic and preventing malicious software from accessing systems. Firewalls can be configured to block data from certain suspicious locations or applications while allowing relevant and necessary data to pass through, according to CISA.

Firewalls may be broadly categorized as hardware or software. While both have their advantages and disadvantages, the decision to use a firewall is far more important than deciding which type used:

• Hardware – Typically called network firewalls, these external devices are positioned between a computer and the internet (or another network connection). Hardware-based firewalls are particularly useful for protecting multiple computers and control the network activity that attempts to pass through them.

• Software – Most operating systems include a built-in firewall feature that should be enabled for added protection even if using an external firewall. Firewall software can also be obtained as separate software from a local computer store or software vendor. If downloading firewall software from the internet, make sure it is from a reputable source (such as an established software vendor or service provider) and offered via a secure website.

While properly configured firewalls may be effective at blocking some cyber-attacks, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Firewalls do not guarantee that a computer will not be attacked. Firewalls primarily help protect against malicious traffic, not against malicious programs (malware), and may not protect the device if the user accidentally installs malware. However, using a firewall in conjunction with other protective measures (such as anti-virus software and safe computing practices) will strengthen resistance to attacks.

The Security Summit reminds businesses that anti-virus software and firewalls cannot protect data if employees fall for email phishing scams and divulge sensitive data, such as usernames and passwords. The Summit reminds the businesses that users, not the software, is the first line of defense in protecting client/customer data.

3. Two-factor authentication

Software providers, e-mail providers and others that require online accounts now offer customers two-factor authentication protections to access email accounts. Businesses should always use this option to prevent their accounts from being taken over by cybercriminals and putting their clients/customers and colleagues at risk.

Two-factor authentication helps by adding an extra layer of protection beyond a password. Often two-factor authentication means the returning user must enter credentials (username and password) plus another step, such as entering a security code sent via text to a mobile phone. The idea is a thief may be able to steal the username and password but it’s highly unlikely they also would have a user’s mobile phone to receive a security code and complete the process.

The use of two-factor authentication and even three-factor authentication is on the rise, and businesses should always opt for a multi-factor authentication protection when it is offered, whether on an email account, software account or any password-protected product.

IRS Secure Access, which protects IRS.gov tools including e-Services, is an example of two-factor authentication.

Using the two-factor authentication options offered by software providers is critical to protect client/customer data stored within those systems. Businesses also can check their email account settings to see if the e-mail provider offers two-factor protections.

4. Backup software/services

Critical files on computers should routinely be backed up to external sources. This means a copy of the file is made and stored either online as part of a cloud storage service or similar product. Or, a copy of the file is made to an external disk, such as an external hard drive with multiple terabytes of storage capacity. Businesses should ensure that client/customer data that is backed up also is encrypted – for the safety of the client/customer and the businesses.

5. Drive encryption

Given the sensitive client data maintained on tax practitioners’ computers, users should consider drive encryption software for full-disk encryption. Drive encryption, or disk encryption, transforms data on the computer into unreadable files for an unauthorized person accessing the computer to obtain data. Drive encryption may come as a stand-alone security software product. It may also include encryption for removable media, such as a thumb drive and its data.

6. Virtual Private Network

This is critical for team members who work remotely. If a business’s employees must occasionally connect to unknown networks or work from home, establish an encrypted Virtual Private Network (VPN) to allow for a more secure connection. A VPN provides a secure, encrypted tunnel to transmit data between a remote user via the Internet and the company network. Search for “Best VPNs” to find a legitimate vendor; major technology sites often provide lists of top services.

How to get started with the “Security Six”

All businesses should review their insurance policies to ensure the business is protected should a data theft occur. Some insurance companies will provide cybersecurity experts for their clients. These experts can help with technology safeguards and offer more advanced recommendations.

Having the proper insurance coverage is a common recommendation from businesses who have experienced data thefts.

(This is Blog Post #875)