The threat of identity theft and cybercriminals is more real than ever. Hackers are everywhere –and your password is often the only barrier between yourself and your personal data.

In an effort to protect taxpayers from identity theft, the IRS has joined forces with representatives from the software industry, payroll and tax processors and state tax administrators to help protect taxpayers from identity theft.

Recently the IRS released Tax Tip 2019-172 which details 4 tips for building better passwords:

1. Keep it easy to remember. Use words or phrases that are easy to remember instead of a random set of numbers and/or characters that you are likely to forget.
2. Keep it long. Use a minimum of 8 characters. The longer the password, the more secure it is.
3. Keep it combined. Use a combination of letters, symbols, and numbers to add complexity to your password.
4. Keep it unique. Avoid use of personal information, like your birthday or address, or commonly used passwords that are easily predictable.

Writing a strong password is just the first step. The IRS recommends the following tips to keep your data secure:

1. Always change the default or temporary password that comes with accounts or devices.
2. Don’t reuse passwords. As tempting as it may be, always avoid using the same password across multiple accounts and devices.
3. When changing a password, change it completely, not just a letter or two.
4. Don’t use email addresses as usernames when that’s an option.
5. Store your password lists securely, like in a safe or locked cabinet.
6. Never share your passwords with anyone.
7. Use a password manager program to store your passwords if you have numerous accounts.
8. Use multi-factor authentication when available. This is becoming increasingly popular and helps keep data more secure.

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