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Tags: IRS | Hackers | Taxes | Files | Credentials

IRS Stops Hackers From Stealing User Credentials

IRS Stops Hackers From Stealing User Credentials
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By    |   Monday, 27 June 2016 01:41 PM EDT

The Internal Revenue Service has successfully stopped an attack from hackers before it affected more than a small number of files, The Hill reports

The IRS said it foiled the attack by canceling its electronic PIN authentication service after hackers tried to steal user credentials. The PINs are used to make sure attackers cannot file fraudulent returns.

In a press release, the agency said the attack only affected those who had not already filed their taxes and that the closure of the PIN option is a precautionary step to protect users.

The Don't Mess With Taxes site reported that this attack came on the heels of a similar one that the IRS announced in February had managed to access more than 100,000 e-File PINs through the agency website.

Following that incident, the IRS beefed up security and the agency said those additional defenses helped identify and control the attack this time around.

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The Internal Revenue Service has successfully stopped an attack from hackers before it affected more than a small number of files, The Hill reports
IRS, Hackers, Taxes, Files, Credentials
152
2016-41-27
Monday, 27 June 2016 01:41 PM
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