Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Simple Steps to Protect Sensitive Information

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual reminder that protecting sensitive information requires ongoing attention from both employers and employees. In an October 2, 2026, alert, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) emphasized that everyday cybersecurity practices can help individuals and organizations reduce their exposure to identity theft, fraud, and cyberattacks.

Although the IRS alert focused primarily on protecting tax information, its recommendations apply to businesses of all sizes, particularly HR, payroll, and benefits departments that regularly handle sensitive employee information.

Everyday Practices That Strengthen Cybersecurity

Cybercriminals frequently target organizations through phishing emails, stolen credentials, fraudulent requests, and outdated software. While sophisticated security technology provides important protections, employees also play a significant role in preventing unauthorized access to information.

The IRS recommends several practices that organizations and individuals can incorporate into their daily routines:

• Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts. Consider using a reputable password manager to create and securely store complex passwords.
• Enable multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA adds another layer of protection by requiring additional verification beyond a password. Enable MFA whenever available, particularly for accounts containing sensitive personal or financial information.
• Keep software and devices updated. Regularly install security updates for operating systems, browsers, applications, and mobile devices. Enable automatic updates when appropriate to help address known vulnerabilities.
• Recognize suspicious communications. Be cautious of unexpected emails, text messages, phone calls, or social media messages requesting confidential information or urging immediate action. Verify questionable requests before responding.
• Protect sensitive files and records. Store confidential information in approved, secure locations, use encryption when appropriate, and ensure important information is backed up.
• Use secure internet connections. Avoid accessing sensitive business or financial information through unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Follow company requirements for secure remote access.

HR and Payroll Departments Face Additional Risks

HR and payroll departments are particularly attractive targets because they maintain employee Social Security numbers, addresses, compensation information, banking details, and benefits records.

The IRS specifically warns businesses about phishing attempts, fraudulent invoices, and schemes involving employee W-2 forms and payroll information. Cybercriminals may impersonate company executives, employees, vendors, or other trusted contacts to obtain confidential information or redirect payments.

For example, an HR employee might receive an email appearing to come from a company executive requesting copies of employee W-2 forms. A payroll employee might receive what appears to be a legitimate request to change an employee’s direct deposit information. Even when these messages appear authentic, they may be attempts to steal information or divert funds.

Employees should independently verify unusual requests involving confidential information, banking changes, or financial transactions using established contact information rather than relying on phone numbers or links provided in the suspicious message.

Recognizing Impersonation Scams

Cybercriminals frequently impersonate government agencies, financial institutions, technology providers, and other trusted organizations. Their messages may claim that an account has been suspended, a payment is overdue, or immediate action is required to prevent a penalty.

These tactics are designed to create urgency and encourage recipients to act without verifying the request.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that it generally initiates contact through the U.S. mail and does not use unsolicited social media messages to communicate about tax matters. Unexpected communications claiming to be from the IRS should be independently verified through IRS.gov.

The same principle applies to workplace communications. Employees should be cautious whenever a message requests sensitive information, directs them to an unfamiliar website, or pressures them to bypass established procedures.

Prompt Reporting Helps Limit Potential Damage

Even employees who follow good security practices may encounter convincing scams. Suspicious messages, unexpected account activity, and potential information disclosures should be reported promptly through the organization’s established security procedures.

Early reporting allows an organization’s security team to investigate potential threats, determine whether information or accounts have been compromised, and take appropriate protective measures.

Employees should not wait until they are certain a security incident has occurred before reporting a concern.

The Bottom Line

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an opportunity for employers to reinforce security expectations and remind employees that protecting information is a shared responsibility.

Strong passwords, multifactor authentication, updated software, careful handling of confidential information, and prompt reporting of suspicious activity are straightforward practices that can help reduce cybersecurity risks.

As the IRS emphasizes in its October 2026 alert, cybersecurity should not be limited to an annual awareness campaign. It should be part of everyday business operations throughout the year.