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In this blog post, we’re sharing news and information about security and privacy concerns straight from the IRS.
Because it’s tax season—and let’s face it, none of us have time for my usual preamble—here are links to each of the stories we’re covering. Jump straight to the one you’re most interested in or go ahead and read on through.
February 7, 2022 | IRS announces transition away from use of third-party verification involving facial recognition
The IRS had plans to use facial recognition provided by a third-party software provider to authenticate people creating new online accounts. The announcement was criticized almost immediately, with opponents citing major privacy and security concerns. The IRS then took swift action to dissuade security concerns, announcing on February 7 that they would “quickly develop and bring online an additional authentication process that does not involve facial recognition.” ¹
“The IRS takes taxpayer privacy and security seriously, and we understand the concerns that have been raised…Everyone should feel comfortable with how their personal information is secured, and we are quickly pursuing short-term options that do not involve facial recognition.”
Chuck Rettig, IRS Commissioner
February 16, 2022 | Tax scams and consumer alerts
It’s that time of the year when businesses and consumers alike are bombarded with IRS scams and schemes. To combat the impersonators, the real IRS released an article, which thoroughly reviews scams targeting taxpayers, tax professionals and payroll and human resources professionals.
Here are a few tips—straight from the IRS—on how to avoid a cybersecurity event during the busy season and year-round.
We also suggest reporting any suspicious email to your internal IT department or cloud service provider. And if you’ve signed up for Secure Workstation, that suspicious email may not even make it through to your inbox. Learn more about our comprehensive, enterprise-level security solution with built-in antivirus threat protection and 24/7/365 intrusion monitoring.
February 21, 2022 | New features put in place for IRS Online Account registration; process strengthened to ensure privacy and security
First—the IRS announced they’d be using biometric data to verify users’ identities when signing up for a new IRS Online Account. Then—backlash. (See “IRS drops facial recognition after security concerns”.)
This past Monday, the IRS confirmed its February 7 promise, announcing that taxpayers will have the option to authenticate their identity during a live virtual interview with agents or by using biometric verification. If a taxpayer has already opted for or plans to use biometric verification, the IRS ensures the selfie images will be deleted.
The two user authentication methods merely ensure a “short-term solution is in place for this year’s filing season,” according to IRS.gov, with “the goal of moving toward introducing [Login.gov] after the 2022 filing deadline.”4
“Login.gov is a secure sign-in service used by the public to sign in to participating government agencies.”
According to their website, Login.gov verifies users’ identities with a combination of password, authentication method, and, depending on the agency, submission of PII (like your photo ID.) We’ll have to wait and see how the IRS chooses to authenticate taxpayer identity—but at least no selfies will be required.
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