Cyber criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and tax professionals and businesses are being targeted more frequently through emails, links, attachments and other online communications.
A single wrong click can give criminals access to your business systems and sensitive client information.
There are a few simple things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Keep your antivirus software up to date and make sure it is installed on all relevant devices.
- Be careful with emails, links and attachments, particularly if they come from someone you don’t know or weren’t expecting.
- Don’t download files from unknown sources.
- Verify suspicious requests independently by contacting the person or business using a trusted phone number or contact method — not the details provided in the suspicious message.
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible, including for email, banking and other important accounts.
- Keep your devices, apps and software updated with the latest security updates.
- Back up important business information regularly and make sure you know how to restore your data if something goes wrong.
Remember that cyber security is just as important when working from home as it is in the office.
Take the same precautions wherever you are working and avoid accessing sensitive business information over unsecured or unfamiliar networks.
We recommend that you:
- Contact your IT provider or support team immediately.
- Take steps to secure your systems and accounts.
- Protect any sensitive client information that may have been exposed.
- Contact the ATO’s Client Identity Support Centre on 1800 467 033 for assistance.
If your systems are confirmed to have been compromised, IDCARE also provides free and confidential support to help protect your personal information, you can contact them on 1800 595 160.
- ATO cyber security tips for businesses and tax professionals
- Australian Cyber Security Centre – Small Business Cyber Security Guide
- Small Business Cyber Resilience Service – free support is available to eligible small businesses, including sole traders and businesses with 19 or fewer employees.
If you have any questions on the above, please reach out to your Client Manager on (07) 4052 0800.
Amy Garsia
Office Manager