Keeping Taxpayer Data Secure
In this course, tax preparers are introduced to the problem of cybercrime and its costs, offered methods that can be expected to reduce the chances of becoming a cybercrime victim, and informed of proper steps to take if they do become victims of cybercrime.
Revision Date: March 2025
Cybercrime is a rapidly growing threat, with global costs reaching into the trillions annually. A large portion of these attacks begin with a method known as “phishing”—a form of social engineering that continues to be the most common entry point for cybercriminals.
Certain businesses, including those classified by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as “financial institutions,” are required to implement safeguards to protect customer financial data. Professional tax preparers fall within this category and are entrusted with maintaining sensitive taxpayer information that is highly valuable to cybercriminals.
This course introduces tax preparers to the scope and impact of cybercrime, outlines practical steps for minimizing risk, and explains the proper response protocols in the event of a data breach.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
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Recognize the scope and pervasiveness of cybercrime in the tax industry.
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Identify the financial and operational risks associated with a data breach.
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Implement cybersecurity best practices to protect client information.
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Understand the responsibilities and required actions following a taxpayer data breach.
