Identity theft is a real threat in every industry, and the world of taxes and accounting is no exception. According to the IRS, there have been 222 data theft reports this year from tax-related firms – outpacing the last two years, in part, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in virtual communication.
To help combat this rising threat, the IRS Security Summit has dedicated its summer campaign to raising awareness about data security amount tax professionals and has laid out recommendations all professionals should take to keep client information safe.
At Integrated Tax services, we’ve always worked hard to keep your information safe. Here are four of the key components to our safety protocol:
- Multi-factor Authentication for Software
- Each time we log into a tax-related program, we must go through a secondary authentication process to ensure we are the correct person accessing the information.
- PINs for Client Access to information
- For those who prefer to sign materials electronically, great – we’ve got you covered. But first, you need to call into our office to receive your secure PIN code which allows you access the document.
- Secure ShareFile Platform
- Long gone are the days of emailing sensitive information. At our firm, we use ShareFile, a secure drop box-style platform that allows our clients and staff to upload and download documents as a way of transferring information securely.
- Annual Staff Training
- Each year, our staff take time to complete an online training program centered on cyber security. The world is changing rapidly, and we want to be at the ready for any issue that may arise in the area of security.
The safety and wellbeing of our clients is of utmost importance, and we hope that commitment shines through in all we do. If you ever have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for you – connect@its-taxes.com
