We’ve seen a rise in ransomware attacks targeting accounting firms.
What ransomware is
Ransomware is a type of harmful software used by hackers to lock you out of your computer or important files. They do this to demand money, in exchange for unlocking your files.
How ransomware might impact tax agents
Tax agents are prime targets because they hold information about many clients. A successful attack can compromise thousands of records, causing significant financial and reputational damage.
We have seen these attacks lead to clients having their myIR accounts compromised.
What you can do to safeguard your business and customers
To safeguard against ransomware:
- ensure that all software is up-to-date
- implement strong backup protocols
- educate staff to recognise phishing attempts — often the entry point for ransomware.
Using the 2-step verification process and regularly testing security systems can also help reduce the risk.
Set up and manage two-step verification
How we can help
If your agency has been impacted, contact your agent account manager as soon as possible. We can help protect and monitor your clients for any unusual activity.