Working Virtually: Use a virtual private network to secure remote locations

Certified Public Accountant in Houston

As more tax professionals consider teleworking during COVID-19, the Internal Revenue Service and the Security Summit partners today urged practitioners to secure remote locations by using a virtual private network (VPN) to protect against cyber intruders.

A VPN provides a secure, encrypted tunnel to transmit data between a remote user via the Internet and the company network. As teleworking or working from home continues during the coronavirus, VPNs are critical to protecting and securing internet connections.

Using virtual private networks is the third in a five-part Security Summit series called Working Virtually: Protecting Tax Data at Home and at Work. The security awareness initiative by the IRS, state tax agencies and the private-sector tax industry – working together as the Security Summit – spotlights basic security steps for all practitioners, but especially those working remotely or social distancing in response to COVID-19.

"For firms expanding telework options during this time, a virtual private network is a must have," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We continue to see tax pros fall victim to attacks every week. These networks are something you can't afford to go without. The risk is real. Taking steps now can protect your clients and protect your businesses."

Failure to use VPNs risks remote takeovers by cyberthieves, giving criminals access to the tax professional's entire office network simply by accessing an employee's remote internet.

Tax professionals should seek out cybersecurity experts if they can afford it. If not, practitioners can search for "Best VPNs" to find a legitimate vendor, or major technology sites often provide lists of top services. Remember, never click on a "pop-up" ad marketing security product. Those generally are scams.

The Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) also encourages organizations to use VPNs. CISA also offers this advice:

• Update VPNs, network infrastructure devices and devices being used to remote into work environments with the latest software patches and security configurations.
• Alert employees to an expected increase in phishing attempts.
• Ensure information technology security personnel are prepared to ramp up these remote access cybersecurity tasks: log review, attack detection, and incident response and recovery.
• Implement multi-factor authentication on all VPN connections to increase security. If multi-factor is not implemented, require teleworkers to use strong passwords
• Ensure IT security personnel test VPN limitations to prepare for mass usage and, if possible, implement modifications—such as rate limiting—to prioritize users that will require higher bandwidths.

Source: IRS

Alfredo Gaxiola has worked on numerous IRS problem cases and has successfully settled with the IRS to release liens on houses, bank accounts and wages and, if needed, setting a payment installment plan that is not burdensome for the client. He has conducted appeals before the U.S. Tax Court and obtained favorable resolutions in reducing the tax debt of his clients. Mr. Gaxiola served as Treasurer of Camara de Empresarios Latinos, one of the largest and strongest Hispanic organizations in the city of Houston. He has conducted financial and accounting seminars for the Houston Small Business Development Corporation, as well.

Certified Public Accountant in Houston.

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