In an increasingly digital world, where communication has become quicker and more convenient than ever, email has become an integral part of our personal and professional lives. However, amidst the ease and efficiency it offers, users must remain vigilant about protecting their personal identifying information. 

Personal identifying information (PII) is any information that can be used to identify an individual, such as their name, address, Social Security number, passwords, or banking and credit card numbers. Sending PII over email is a risky proposition, as it can easily be intercepted by cybercriminals.

Emails, despite their widespread use, are not inherently secure. Email messages are sent over the internet, which is a public network, traversing various servers and networks before reaching the intended recipient. This leaves them susceptible to interception by cybercriminals. These cybercriminals employ sophisticated techniques to breach email accounts, gaining access to sensitive PII. Once stolen, they can use your PII to open new accounts in your name, file fraudulent tax returns, or even get a job in your name.

Email remains one of the most common vectors for phishing attacks and targeted social engineering. Cybercriminals often pose as trustworthy entities, attempting to trick recipients into revealing their PII. They create convincing emails that mimic official correspondence from banks, government agencies, or reputable organizations. Unsuspecting individuals, falling victim to these scams, unknowingly expose their personal information, which can lead to significant harm. A reputable organization should never request you to send PII over unencrypted email.

• Do not send PII in the body of an email message. 
• Instead, send PII via a secure file sharing platform like DropBox or one offered by the vendor you’re corresponding with.
• Be suspicious of any email messages that ask for PII. If you are not sure if an email message is legitimate, do not click on any links or open attachments. Follow up with the sender by phone or another method to confirm the email is legitimate.
• Keep your computer software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect your computer from cybercriminals.

Our secure Client Portal uses advanced encryption technology, ensuring the highest level of security. Using the Client Portal, you can send your confidential files to us with peace of mind and enhanced security.

Our portal offers the flexibility to add additional users with various permission levels, allowing seamless collaboration and ensuring the right people have access to the right documents.

To help you get started on the portal, we also offer step-by-step video tutorials covering the basics, from how to log in and navigate the portal for the first time, to adding additional users and how to manage each user’s level of access to send and receive documents.

We strongly recommend that you use our Client Portal when sending documents electronically to us and do not email documents containing PII or send PII in the email body. This includes, but is not limited to, tax documents and signed e-file forms.