A business professional signing a document with digital cybersecurity icons overlayed, representing secure documentation, compliance, and risk management in cybersecurity.

You are probably wrapping up your taxes. If not, you should be.

Filing early reduces the chances of someone filing a fraudulent return in your name. If you can’t get it done early, at least set up an IRS Identity Protection PIN—it’s a simple step that keeps scammers from filing on your behalf.

https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

Now, let’s say you’ve got your taxes done. Are they sitting in your downloads folder?

Hackers Love Your Downloads Folder

We audit thousands of computers, and here’s what we find: about half of people leave their tax documents sitting in their downloads folder.

That means your Social Security number, income history, and financial data are just waiting for you to click on the wrong link, fall for a phishing attack, or have your laptop stolen.

If a hacker gets access to your computer, the first thing they do is search for tax-related files.

And if they are in your downloads folder? Game over.

Where Should You Store Your Tax Documents?

Option 1: Use VeraCrypt to Lock Them Down

VeraCrypt is a free encryption tool that lets you create a secure vault for sensitive documents. Set it up once, and your tax files are locked away—safe from cybercriminals.

Downside? It requires a little effort to configure.

Option 2: Microsoft Purview—The Ultimate Security for Work Devices 

If you store your tax documents on your work computer (and let’s be honest, most people do), Microsoft Purview might be the best option.

Purview allows you to encrypt your documents in a way that even a hacker with full access to your machine can’t steal them.

  • Hackers can’t search for tax documents
  • They can’t move or exfiltrate your files
  • Even if they break in, they can’t steal your financial data

Watch this to learn how Purview works.

One Last Step: Get Your Network Checked

We just ran across an organization where an entire employee 401(k) census was saved on the receptionist’s desktop.

If a hacker had gained access, they would have had a full list of employees, Social Security numbers, and financial details.

Do you know where your company’s sensitive data is stored?

If not, let’s set up a call. We can analyze your network and ensure that your employees aren’t leaving critical data exposed.

This year, don’t just file your taxes—secure them.