Sofia Spatola
Posted by Computer Solutions on March 10, 2025
As tax season approaches, many businesses are focused on preparing financial documents, filing returns, and meeting tight deadlines. However, this busy period also presents an opportunity for cybercriminals to strike. With business owners and employees often preoccupied, hackers see tax season as the perfect time to exploit vulnerabilities.
At Computer Solutions, we know how important it is to stay ahead of these threats. Today, we’ll explain why tax season is a prime time for cybercriminals and provide key tips to help you protect your business.
Why Tax Season Attracts Cybercriminals
1. Increased Exchange of Sensitive Data
Tax season involves sharing a lot of sensitive information—both within your organization and with external parties like accountants or payroll providers. Unfortunately, each exchange creates potential points of vulnerability, especially when hackers use fake emails to try to access this data.
2. Tight Deadlines Lead to Mistakes
With the pressure of meeting deadlines, employees may not be as vigilant when checking emails, links, or file attachments. This gives phishing scams and malware an easier route to infiltrate your systems.
3. Higher Volume of Emails
During tax season, businesses typically handle a flood of emails—ranging from forms and payment requests to compliance updates. Cybercriminals often take advantage of this by sending phishing emails that look legitimate, hoping to intercept sensitive data.
4. Widespread Scams Targeting Taxpayers
Hackers commonly impersonate trusted entities such as the IRS or tax preparation services. Their goal is to deceive businesses into sharing confidential information or making fraudulent payments.
Common Tax Season Threats to Watch Out For
- Phishing Emails: Fraudulent messages that appear to be from the IRS, your bookkeeper, or a tax service, asking for sensitive information or directing you to malicious links.
- Fake Invoices or Payment Requests: Scammers send false invoices or payment demands, attempting to trick businesses into wiring money.
- Ransomware Attacks: Hackers encrypt critical financial data and demand a ransom for its release.
- Social Engineering: Cybercriminals impersonate trusted contacts—like accountants or payroll providers—in an attempt to extract sensitive information.
How to Protect Your Business This Tax Season
1. Train Your Team
Education is your first line of defense. Make sure your employees are aware of the latest scams and know how to recognize phishing attempts. Encourage them to:
- Verify email senders before opening attachments or clicking on links.
- Be cautious of urgent payment requests or unusual account updates.
- Report suspicious emails immediately.
2. Secure Your Communications
Use encrypted methods to exchange sensitive information, especially when sharing tax documents. Whenever possible, utilize secure portals or file-sharing tools instead of relying on email.
3. Implement Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Enable MFA for all accounts related to financial systems, email accounts, and any platforms used for tax-related activities. MFA adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if credentials are compromised, your systems remain protected.
4. Conduct a Cybersecurity Audit
Work with your IT provider to identify vulnerabilities before hackers can take advantage of them. Focus on:
- Keeping software updated and applying patches.
- Securing network endpoints and devices.
- Verifying the integrity of data backups.
5. Verify All Financial Requests
Always double-check payment requests, especially those involving large sums of money or sensitive accounts. Confirm requests via an alternative communication method (e.g., a phone call) to ensure authenticity.
Don’t Let Hackers Take Advantage This Tax Season
Tax season doesn’t have to be an open invitation for cybercriminals. By staying vigilant, educating your team, and implementing strong cybersecurity measures, you can protect your business from falling victim to these common threats.
Let’s make sure the only thing you’re filing this season is a successful tax return—not a cybersecurity incident report. Schedule a free discovery call with us today to uncover potential vulnerabilities and ensure your systems are secure and ready for anything.
Call us now at 609.514.0100 or visit our site here to schedule your free discovery call!
