If the U.S. Treasury Department—a high-security government agency—can be hacked, what does that mean for small businesses like yours? As tax season ramps up, cybercriminals are sharpening their tactics, looking for ways to exploit rushed filings and distracted business owners.
I’ve spent years protecting businesses just like yours from cyber threats, and one thing is clear: criminals don’t care how big or small you are. If you have financial data, you're a target.
Let’s break down what happened with the Treasury hack, why it matters for your business, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself.
What Happened?
In January 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department was targeted in a cyberattack. While the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reports no widespread compromise, this breach proves that even government institutions with top-tier security are vulnerable.
Now, imagine your business, with far fewer resources and security measures, facing the same level of attack. Do you feel confident that your financial data is protected? If not, now is the time to act.
Cybercriminals thrive during tax season, launching aggressive scams and ransomware attacks when businesses are too busy to notice.
Why This Matters to Small Businesses
Tax season is prime time for hackers. Why? Because financial data is flying around everywhere—documents being emailed, accounts being accessed, and sensitive numbers being exchanged. This creates the perfect storm for cybercrime.
Here’s what’s happening right now:
- Phishing scams are skyrocketing.
- Cybercriminals are targeting financial institutions and small businesses alike.
- Employee mistakes are making businesses vulnerable.
And here’s the kicker: Most small businesses don’t even realize they’ve been hacked until it’s too late. You must be proactive.
Top Cyber Threats to Watch for This Tax Season
🚨 Phishing Emails Posing as the IRS
Cybercriminals send fake IRS emails demanding immediate action on supposed tax filing errors or refunds.
🔴 Red Flag: The IRS never emails, calls, or texts you about tax-related matters first. They always send official correspondence via mail. If you get an unexpected message, it’s a scam.
🚨 Fake Tax Professionals or Accountants
Scammers pose as tax preparers to steal Social Security numbers, bank details, and financial records.
🔴 Red Flag: Verify all tax preparers through the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers before sharing any information.
🚨 Compromised Payroll and Accounting Software
Hackers steal accounting logins to reroute tax refunds, manipulate payroll, or drain business accounts.
🔴 Red Flag: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and monitor accounts for suspicious activity.
How to Protect Your Business During Tax Season
✅ Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Protect your financial logins with extra security layers.
✅ Verify IRS Communications: Never click on links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS.
✅ Educate Employees on Phishing Attacks: Train your staff to recognize scams before they cause damage.
✅ Secure Your Accounting Software: Use strong, unique passwords and keep all software updated.
✅ Back Up Your Financial Data: Ransomware attacks are rising—ensure you can recover quickly.
Act Now Before It’s Too Late
The U.S. Treasury hack is a wake-up call. Cybercriminals aren’t just targeting the government—they’re targeting businesses like yours every single day. You need to act now to protect your financial data.
Don’t wait until after tax season to address your cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Take action today.
If you’re unsure whether your business is at risk, let’s talk. At Computerease, we specialize in securing small businesses against cyber threats.
