SumwunLost wrote:I’m looking at a serviced office - specifically Regus. They mention that they provide the internet, but I am concerned as to what that might mean in terms of my own internet and computer security.
I plan on speaking with a local computer expert early next week. Are there any “Magic words,” I should use or avoid to convey what a tax professional needs in this situation?
The workspace vendor is going to provide basic commercial-grade internet access. I don't recommend using WiFi even within their office, so make sure you can make a direct cable connection if you wish. Unless they offer a "premium package" of some kind, you aren't going to get them to change anything about their internet configuration just for you.
But that's not a problem, I don't think their network is any less secure, technology-wise, than my OIH network. Your biggest concern is actually the staff who have access to the secure network devices, since many if not most security breaches these days are through the weakest link (a human), not the technology.
Your tax software probably transmits return data encrypted, thanks to the IRS Security Summit effort. Your computer should have a good internet security suite (I use Kaspersky Internet Security, which includes anti virus and various firewalls). You could even run a VPN, which is included with KIS at a basic daily usage level (200MB), and more data transfer is available for an additional fee. Are you going to leave your computer in the office when you are not there? Obviously disk encryption and a physical lock would be advisable, since even on work days you may get away from your desk for a break from time to time.
Lastly, consider where you are going to originate your efiles from. I believe the EFIN requires the physical location where returns are originated and sent to the transmitter, so you may have to update your EFIN application with the new address.