Tax season is stressful enough—but did you know it’s also prime time for cybercriminals?

As businesses rush to prepare financial documents, meet deadlines, and communicate with accountants, hackers see the perfect opportunity to strike. With sensitive data flying around, scammers are working overtime to exploit business owners, employees, and financial transactions.

If you’re a small business in NYC or Long Island, it’s time to lock down your cybersecurity and stay one step ahead of these digital thieves.

Let’s break down why tax season is a goldmine for hackers—and how you can stop them before they cash in.

Why Tax Season Attracts Cybercriminals

📌 1. Increased Exchange of Sensitive Data

Tax season means more financial documents, W-2s, invoices, and bank details being shared both inside your business and with external accountants or payroll providers. This creates multiple points of vulnerability for hackers to intercept and steal information.

📌 2. Tight Deadlines Lead to Costly Mistakes

With employees rushing to meet IRS deadlines, mistakes happen. Workers are less likely to double-check emails, links, or file attachments—making it easier for phishing scams and malware to slip through unnoticed.

📌 3. Higher Volume of E-mails = More Scams

Businesses receive a flood of tax-related emails from the IRS, payroll companies, and tax services. Cybercriminals take advantage by sending convincing fake emails that look just like the real thing. One wrong click could expose your entire system.

📌 4. Fake IRS & Taxpayer Scams

Scammers pose as the IRS or trusted tax preparers, tricking businesses into sharing confidential data or making fraudulent payments. Remember: The IRS will NEVER email you asking for personal or financial information!

Common Tax Season Scams That Could Cost You Thousands

🚨 Phishing Emails: Fraudulent messages claiming to be from the IRS, your accountant, or a tax service, asking for sensitive information or directing you to malicious links.

🚨 Fake Invoices & Payment Requests: Scammers impersonate vendors or tax professionals, tricking businesses into wiring funds.

🚨 Ransomware Attacks: Hackers encrypt your critical financial data and demand payment to release it—leaving you locked out of your own systems.

🚨 Social Engineering Scams: Cybercriminals call or email posing as payroll providers, accountants, or IRS agents, trying to extract sensitive information.

How To Protect Your Business This Tax Season

✅ 1. Train Your Team to Spot Scams

Your employees are the first line of defense. Educate them on how to:
✔ Verify email senders before opening attachments or clicking links.
✔ Watch out for urgent payment requests—scammers love urgency.
✔ Report suspicious emails immediately instead of engaging with them.

✅ 2. Secure Your Communications

Never email tax documents without encryption. Instead, use:
✔ Secure file-sharing portals or encrypted email services.
✔ Password-protected PDFs for sending sensitive documents.

✅ 3. Implement Multifactor Authentication (MFA) – DO IT NOW!

Even if hackers steal your password, MFA blocks unauthorized access.
✔ Require MFA for email accounts, financial platforms, and payroll systems.
✔ Set up MFA on any account that offers it—it’s a game-changer.

✅ 4. Conduct a Pre-Tax Season Cybersecurity Audit

Work with an IT provider to check for weaknesses hackers could exploit. Focus on:
✔ Updating software and security patches.
✔ Locking down financial account access.
✔ Ensuring backup systems are working and up to date.

✅ 5. Verify ALL Financial Requests Before Sending Money

Scammers love urgent payment requests—don’t fall for them.
✔ Always confirm wire transfers, invoice changes, and large payments via a second communication method (like a phone call).

Don’t Let Hackers Win This Tax Season

Tax season doesn’t have to be open season for cybercriminals. By staying vigilant, educating your employees, and upgrading your cybersecurity, you can protect your business from fraud, financial loss, and devastating cyberattacks.

🔥 Want to make sure your systems are secure? 🔥
Start with a FREE Network Assessment to uncover vulnerabilities before hackers do.

📲 Click here to schedule now
📞 Or call us at 718-412-9196

Let’s make sure the only thing you’re filing this season is a tax return—not a cybersecurity incident report. 🚀