In a related post, we outlined three tax season scams targeting small businesses that are getting more-and-more sophisticated and are being carried out by larger and larger crime syndicates. Small businesses are an especially enticing target because a successfully breached company can compromise the security of information related to both the business and its employees. Here are several precautions you can take to lower the odds of you becoming avictim of such a tax-season scam, according to the security and backup software company Symantec.:

Do not open email from the IRS. The IRS will never email you. Ever.

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(Katrina Koger via Flickr)

If you get an email from the IRS or EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System), don’t respond. Instead, forward it to [email protected]. You should also know that the IRS will never call you by phone. Email threats about consequences for failing to respond or blocking access to your funds are always fraudulent.

Make sure you have internet security software.

Afghan SWAT Teams

(isafmedia via Flickr)

Security software is the first line of defense you need between cybercriminals and the sensitive/financial data you keep on your computer, in your network, or in the cloud. And traditional antivirus software is no longer enough.

Back up your important data.

Having a digital copy of your critical business information ensures that you can recover your critical data in the event of an attack or a system crash. Shop backup and recovery products.

Utilize encryption for sensitive data.

If you plan to use a wireless network to electronically file your taxes, be sure to use a secure Internet connection – never use public wireless hotspots. Shop encryption products.

Be very suspicious about the source of emails.

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(ThinkStock)

Scammers are quite good at making emails and links look legitimate, and the most lucrative tax return schemes are based on identity theft, so ensure your email is truly sent from the advertised source before opening it.

Always be apprehensive about providing financial information.

Be especially suspicious of any request for information such as your Social Security Number (SSN), bank or credit card account numbers, or security-related information like your mother’s maiden name.

Require Password Protection.

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(Thinkstock)

Password protect directories and accounts to ensure your data is defended from outside threats. Choose passwords with care—don’t select a recognizable word, or something obvious, such as “password” or your name. Make your passwords as long and as complex as you can. Or use a password management service and multi-step verification when if offered by a website.

Always log out completely from any website where you’ve entered personal information.

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Whether you’re on a tax site, an online store, or any site in which you’ve entered personal information, remember one step: log out when you’re done. If you don’t, you’re exposing identity information to cyber thieves. This is especially true if you’re accessing the internet via any form of public wifi.

The postal system is not a safe way to receive checks from the IRS.

Criminals look for unlocked mailboxes at tax time to steal tax return envelopes. Always have your refund directly deposited into your bank account to help ensure your money reaches you.

See also: Beware of Tax Season Scams Targeting Small Businesses.

(Featured photo: Thinkstock)

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