Jun 23, 2025 Joel Hernandez

Staying Safe Online This Tax Season

Staying Safe Online This Tax Season

These days, we often hear from family, friends or the news about cybercrimes such as fraud and scams. Cyber risk is increasing due to the rise of digitalisation and AI-powered attacks. As we go about our day-to-day tasks, cyber risk is inevitable, as most things are now digital. Cybersecurity is becoming a growing concern, especially during tax season.

We’ve put together a list of cybersecurity tips using advice from the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to help strengthen your business’s digital protection.

• Use a passphrase: It is important to use strong and secure passphrases. A passphrase is often a better option than a password, typically made up of four or more random words. Make sure to regularly update your passphrases and never share them. If your passphrases have been compromised, change them immediately. Enabling multi-factor authentication also adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts.
• Limit access: You should limit employee access to sensitive information. Ensure that former employees no longer have access to any systems or data.
• Up to date systems: Keeping all devices and systems up to date is crucial. Turn on automatic updates and replace any software or systems that no longer receive security patches. Avoid using USBs or external hard drives from unfamiliar sources, as these may contain malware that could harm your business systems.
• Be email aware: Cybercrime conducted through email is a common tactic used by scammers. To minimise your risk, use a spam filter and only download authorised, legitimate programs. If unsure, do not open attachments or download any files.
• Use a secure network: It is also essential to secure your wireless network and avoid using public Wi-Fi as not all public networks are secure. Making online transactions such as internet banking on an unsecured network can put your personal and financial information at serious risk.
• Review account transactions: Monitoring your accounts for unusual activity or transactions is another important step. Regularly go through your bank accounts and report anything suspicious. Early detection of fraudulent activity can help your bank take immediate action. If you receive an email alerting you to unexpected changes to your account, do not open any links or attachments. Instead, check your account by visiting the organisation’s official website through your browser, or call them using a number you’ve found independently.

We hope this information is helpful. Stay informed and continue educating yourself about cybersecurity so you can protect both yourself and your business.