A Digital Defense Against W-2 Theft

A Digital Defense Against W-2 Theft

The FBI gives basic steps to mitigate the threat of W-2 theft.

It is "prime time," about a month before April's tax filing deadline, for cybercriminals and scam artists looking to cash in on your personal tax information. The FBI has recently issued an updated warning for businesses and employees to be on the watch for W-2 theft.

If a cybercriminal gets ahold of your W-2, he or she has the ability to file your tax return, and get your refund, before you do. There is also a great deal of personally identifiable information, including your Social Security Number, that could lead to numerous other problems for a victim.

The FBI says the most common way a scam artist could get your W-2 information is through a phishing scheme. The hacker, pretending to be an executive at the company, sends an email to the HR department and asks for employee's personal information or their W-2's, perhaps for tax or audit purposes. In some cases, hackers have been able to cause a massive data dump affecting thousands of employees.

So, how can you strengthen your company to ensure this doesn't happen and the data of your employees is protected? The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has put together some basic steps that businesses can take to mitigate the threat:

  • Limit the number of people who have access to employees' person information and W-2's.
  • Set up two-factor verification system to confirm the request and receipt of such sensitive information.
  • Establish protocols for sensitive information requests ahead of time and outside the email environment.
  • Ensure that you secure sensitive PII and W-2 information with encryption.
  • Establish and maintain robust and strong security for your data, including firewalls, virus protection and spam filters.

"Businesses that have suffered a data breach involving tax information should immediately report that breach to the IRS and your state tax agency," the FBI said. "The IRS also wants to hear from you if you received a W-2 phishing e-mail but did not fall victim to the scam."

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.