The Tax Pro's Guide to Cyber Hygiene: Because Hand Sanitizer Doesn't Cut It

Because Hand Sanitizer Doesn't Cut It

Welcome, tax professionals, to the world of cyber hygiene! While hand sanitizer might keep those pesky germs at bay, it won’t do much to protect your digital workspace from cyber threats. But fear not! With a little wit and a lot of common sense, you can keep your cyber environment as clean as your hands. Remember to rub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.

Let’s dive into some essential tips that will make your cyber hygiene routine as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Passwords: The Digital Toothbrush

Just like your toothbrush, passwords should be personal, unique, and changed regularly. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts—otherwise, a hacker getting into one account is like getting your whole set of keys lost in a black hole. Aim for passwords that are long and complex, with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. And for heaven’s sake, don’t use “password123” or “qwerty”—even your cat could hack that. Also avoid using the names of spouses, kids, and pets.

2. Two-Factor Authentication: Your Cyber Hand Sanitizer

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the cyber equivalent of hand sanitizer—it adds an extra layer of protection. Even if a hacker gets hold of your password, they’ll need a second form of identification to access your account. This could be a text message code, an email link, or a fingerprint scan. It’s an easy step that can save you from a world of cyber hurt.

3. Updates: The Regular Check-Up

Just like you wouldn’t skip a dentist appointment (we hope), don’t skip software updates. Those pesky update notifications are there for a reason—they patch security vulnerabilities and keep your systems running smoothly. Set your devices to update automatically and you’ll be one step ahead of cyber threats. We know it’s a pain to stop and allow your devices to update. But think of it this way, it takes less time to update your system than it does to restore and rebuild everything after you have been hacked.

4. Phishing Scams: The Junk Food of Cyber Hygiene

Phishing emails are like the junk food of the internet—tempting but dangerous. They try to trick you into giving away personal information by pretending to be someone you trust. It’s like that chocolate bar tempting you to eat all of it and promising this time it will be zero calories.

Always double-check the sender’s email address and hover over links to see where they really lead. If something feels off, it probably is. Remember, the IRS will never email you asking for your login credentials or Social Security number.

5. Secure Wi-Fi: Your Cyber Clean Room

Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s also a hotbed for cyber threats. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection when working remotely. It’s like turning your local coffee shop into a secure office space, minus the noise and the constant coffee refills.

6. Backups: Your Safety Net

Even the best cyber hygiene can’t prevent every disaster. Regularly back up your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage. If you’re an over achiever, then back up to both cloud storage and an external hard drive. You can never be too safe after all. That way, if you do fall victim to a cyber attack, you won’t lose all your valuable information. Think of it as a digital safety net that can catch you when you fall.

7. Clean Desk Policy: No Digital Clutter

Back away from the clutter! A clean desk policy isn’t just about physical papers—keep your digital workspace tidy too. Log out of accounts when you’re done, lock your computer when you step away, and avoid saving passwords on shared devices. A clutter-free workspace is a secure workspace.

8. Educate Yourself: The More You Know

Staying informed about the latest cyber threats and best practices is key to maintaining good cyber hygiene. Take advantage of online courses, webinars, and industry news. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself and your clients.

By following these tips, you can ensure your digital workspace is as clean and safe as possible. Remember, good cyber hygiene is an ongoing process, just like brushing your teeth. And don’t forget to floss. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and keep those cyber nasties at bay. Your clients—and your sanity—will thank you!