The Internet has brought many benefits, but also risks. There are many individuals who try every day to trick people into giving them their information with malicious intent.
The following tips will allow you to protect your data so you can use the Internet with greater confidence.
Protect Your Personal Information
You can’t be too careful when it comes to protecting your personal information. Avoid sharing personal information such as Social Security number, or credit card number unless you’re navigating a secure site with the proper certifications. When you shop online make sure you do it through a trustworthy website with adequate certifications.
Beware of Phishing
Phishing is defined as the fraudulent practice of sending messages (particularly by email) purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce people to reveal their personal information. Don’t forget that fraudsters don’t hesitate to feign being banks, credit institutions and the IRS itself. Check this guide to learn more about how to identify fraudulent emails and keep the following in mind:
- An email asking you to download a file may apparently come from a friend or acquaintance, but the other person’s account may have been hacked or compromised.
- Don’t assume that the pop-up ads that appear while you browse the internet come from reputable companies. Take your time to research the enterprise behind the ads and make sure that it’s a trustworthy organization.
- Don’t download software from pop-up ads. One of the most common fraudulent strategies consists in making you believe that your computer has been infected with a virus and you supposedly need to download a program to get rid of it. Distrust immediately of this strategy.
Back Up Your Files
Backing up your information is another way of protecting it. Remember the advice of data professionals: If some information doesn’t exist at three different places at the same time, then it’s not protected. Preserve all your information and important documents (including federal and state tax returns) with this principle in mind. An external hard drive is a very good option you may consider to back up your files.
Use the Tools at Your Disposal
Use a trustworthy program to protect your computer against virus and malware. Keep the program updated and make sure that all the users with access to your computer know how to use it.
Regarding official websites with information you can trust, check the IRS’s advice regarding phishing and other forms of tax fraud.
Our experts at Meadville Tax Services have the know-how and the drive to help you protect your information so you can navigate with self-assurance the world of taxes.
We’re located at 1107 Park Avenue, Meadville Pennsylvania 16335. Contact us today by email, telephone (8143332488) or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more about our services.
