GruntWorx, LLC, has released an updated user portal for the upcoming filing season. The release streamlines the user interface, adds new administrator and user settings and incorporates two-factor authentication to improve the security of customer accounts for the tax year 2018 filing season. This change follows data security recommendations from ETAAC and the Security Summit.
Cybercriminals have increased the frequency and type of identity theft scams targeting tax return preparers. Their goal is to gain access to client databases and tax preparation software accounts, so they can use stolen personal information to file returns and illegally collect tax refund money. These evolving criminal strategies have resulted in security experts recommending additional protections for financial data, like two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires not only a password and username but also something the user knows and has on them. Two factor authentication is also known as multi factor authentication.
To help users better protect their accounts, GruntWorx is supporting three types of two-factor authentication :
• Text messages (SMS) codes from your mobile phone
• Login codes from a third-party authentication app (such as Google Authenticator)
• Email messages codes from your email account
This new release makes using GruntWorx more intuitive, flexible and secure.
