Businesses Urged to Evaluate Security Measures Taken by E-file Service Providers
Sunrise, Florida (PRWEB) April 11, 2014 -- Shortly after the announcement of a widespread and particularly invasive computer virus called the “Heartbleed” bug, the Internal Revenue Service issued a statement suggesting taxpayers file their tax returns as they normally would in advance of the deadline. As an added response, 1099 and W-2 e-file service provider eFile4Biz.com is urging taxpayers and service providers to assess security measures to reduce risk.
The Heartbleed bug is a significant threat that allows attackers to retrieve data, like credit card numbers and addresses, from websites that use OpenSSL encryption software. Many websites are especially vulnerable, considering the type of personal and financial information shared on these sites.
Unlike with other e-file service providers that only follow a casual, self-assessment model, security is a major priority for eFile4Biz.com. Numerous precautions are in place to safeguard data from potential vulnerabilities, including end-to-end encryption that encrypts data when it’s entered on the site and maintains it throughout the entire print, mail and e-file process. eFile4Biz.com also complies with the AICPA’s Service Organization Control (SOC) standards, which involves expert, third-party evaluations of all security programs to ensure best practices in data encryption and protection of sensitive information.
“Whenever online threats are brought to light, it’s a good time to double-check your own security,” says Chris Ferris, Director of Customer Experience. “Although the Heartbleed flaw is being patched by many financial institutions and websites, the danger has not subsided. It’s important to review the safety of the sites you visit and how your information is affected.”
Several websites, most notably CNET and Mashable, have published lists of popular sites affected by Heartbleed. You can check the security status of other sites at the Heartbleed Test website. Once you’ve received confirmation that a site is safe (will be labeled “fixed” or “unaffected”), you should change the password — preferably to a unique one for each site.
Although eFile4Biz.com remains unaffected by Heartbleed, it’s still a good idea for customers to change their password, especially if they commonly use the same password across multiple websites.
About eFile4Biz.com
Industry leader and IRS-authorized e-file provider, eFile4Biz.com (previously eFileforBusiness.com) makes online processing of 1099s and W-2s more convenient and economical than paper forms and installed software. The site provides comprehensive, front-to-back processing of tax information returns, including printing, mailing and optional electronic delivery to recipients, and electronic filing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA).
About HRdirect brands
The HRdirect® family of brands includes Poster Guard® Compliance Protection (the nation's leading labor law poster replacement service), G.Neil® (the nation's leading provider of employee management products), TrackSmart.com™ (online employee recordkeeping and attendance tracking app for small businesses) and PosterTracker.com (online resource for finding state and federal labor law poster solutions). For more information, visit HRdirect.com.
Jordan Blanco, HRdirect, 954-514-2202, [email protected]
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