Password Security

At Tax1099.com, we take security very seriously. Our 256-bit bank-grade encryption does a lot in the way of keeping your data secure. Tax1099.com is also SSAE-16 certified. However, all that security can be endangered if your password is compromised. Following these password guidelines can help lock down your account’s security.

Password Guidelines

Do:

• Create a unique password for Tax1099.com. Don’t use the same password for all your logins.
• Create a long, complicated password. (This is where it’s good to use letters, numbers, and symbols.)
• Set up password recovery options.
• Use two-factor authentication.
• Change your passwords often.

Don’t:

• Don’t use predictable personal information for your password.
• Don’t use a common phrase that other people would be able to guess.
• Don’t post your password list where someone could find it.

Keeping Track of Passwords

There’s only one problem with making a hard-to-guess password: it’s hard for you to guess, too. Complex passwords can be more difficult to remember. If you do write passwords down, don’t keep them in plain sight. Try a locked drawer. Don’t write “Password list” at the top of the paper. Some security specialists also recommend that you don’t write the actual password on the paper. Instead, write something that will help jog your memory.

If you have trouble remembering passwords, you can also try a password storage option. Some of these are Dashlane, LastPass, KeePass, and 1Password. Make sure to read the agreements for these password storage options.

Beware of Phishing

Phishing usually consists of someone sending you an e-mail with a link in it. The e-mail may look valid. The e-mail requests for you to click the link and verify information. Even the landing page may look valid. An identity thief can take any information you give on this page. The surest way to protect against this is to type a known URL directly into your browser.

Two-Factor Authentication

This September, Tax1099.com is rolling out two-factor authentication. This optional, free service adds another layer of security to your login. As part of this new authentication, you will enter a username, password, and a code sent from our site to your phone. How does this make your data more secure? If someone steals your username and password, they would also need the code from your phone. This extra layer of protection increases the security of your data.

For fast, secure, and accurate filings, visit Tax1099.com.