On Oct. 2, 2026, the IRS issued IR-2026-119 encouraging taxpayers, tax professionals, businesses and other organizations to strengthen online security during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The agency said the month highlights the role everyone can play in protecting personal, financial and tax information from identity thieves and scammers. The IRS also said cybersecurity practices should be part of a routine maintained year-round. The IRS recommended using strong, unique passwords, using different passwords for important accounts and considering a password manager. It encouraged users to turn on multifactor authentication when available, install updates for computers, phones, tablets, apps, browsers and security software, and enable automatic updates when possible. The release advised people to be cautious about unexpected emails, text messages, social media messages, phone calls or letters that request personal or financial information or create pressure to act immediately. It also recommended storing digital tax records securely, encrypting sensitive files, backing up important information and avoiding public Wi-Fi when accessing financial accounts, tax records or IRS online services. The IRS warned that scammers may impersonate the IRS or other trusted organizations through U.S. mail, email, text messages, social media and phone calls. According to the release, scams may promise a larger refund, claim an account is locked, demand immediate payment or direct taxpayers to fake websites. Businesses, payroll professionals and human resources offices were also warned about phishing, fake invoices, and W-2 or payroll-related schemes designed to steal employee information, credentials or money. Requests to change sensitive employee or payment information should be verified through a trusted channel. The IRS said it joined the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and Security Summit partners in encouraging these precautions. Source: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-reminder-cybersecurity-awareness-month-offers-simple-steps-to-protect-tax-data