As tax season approaches, businesses throughout the Jersey Shore are focused on preparing financial documents, filing returns, and meeting tight deadlines. Unfortunately, cybercriminals see this busy season as the perfect opportunity to strike.

Most hackers are looking for ways to exploit sensitive data, scam businesses, and create chaos. In today’s blog, we’ll share why tax season gives cybercriminals a huge advantage and how you can stay one step ahead.

Why Tax Season Attracts Cybercriminals

1. Increased Exchange of Sensitive Data

This time of year involves frequent sharing of financial and personal information – both within your business and with outside vendors like accountants and payroll providers. These transactions open the door for hackers, especially through fake e-mails pretending to be from trusted sources.

2. Tight Deadlines Lead to Mistakes

When you’re racing the clock to meet tax deadlines, it’s easy to overlook the small things. Employees may skip double-checking an e-mail or link, making it easier for phishing scams to work their way in.

3. High Volume of E-mails

Tax season means inbox overload. From payment reminders to compliance updates, your staff is juggling a flood of messages – and scammers are hiding in that crowd with convincing phishing attempts.

4. Widespread Scams Targeting Local Businesses

Hackers frequently pose as the IRS or a trusted local tax professional to trick businesses into handing over sensitive data or making bogus payments.

• Common Tax Season Threats for Monmouth & Ocean County Businesses
• Phishing E-mails – Messages that appear to be from the IRS, your bookkeeper, or a tax service asking for login credentials or linking to malicious websites.
• Fake Invoices or Payment Requests – Scammers request payments for services never rendered.
• Ransomware – Malicious software encrypts your financial files until you pay up.
• Social Engineering – Calls or e-mails impersonating accountants, payroll staff, or vendors to gather inside information.

How To Protect Your Jersey Shore Business This Tax Season

1. Train Your Team

Education is the first line of defense. Make sure your employees:

• Verify e-mail senders before clicking links or opening attachments.
• Stay alert to urgent or unusual payment requests.
• Report suspicious e-mails right away.

2. Secure Your Communications

Don’t send sensitive tax documents over regular e-mail. Use encrypted portals or secure file-sharing tools to reduce your exposure.

3. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Require MFA for all key systems – especially those related to finances and e-mail. It provides an essential second layer of defense, even if a password gets stolen.

4. Conduct a Cybersecurity Audit

Now is a great time to work with your IT provider to assess system vulnerabilities. Focus on:

• Updating software and installing patches.
• Securing every device on your network.
• Verifying your data backups are complete and recoverable.

5. Always Confirm Financial Requests

Double-check any request involving money or sensitive accounts. Use a second method (like a phone call) to confirm it’s legitimate – especially if the request comes from someone local but slightly “off.”

Don’t Let Cybercriminals Win in Monmouth or Ocean County

Tax season doesn’t have to be open season for hackers. With the right strategies and awareness, you can keep your Jersey Shore business secure.

Let’s make sure the only thing you’re filing this season is a successful tax return – not a cybersecurity incident report. Start with a FREE Network Assessment to uncover potential vulnerabilities and ensure your systems are locked down.

Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment today!