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How to keep personal information secure during online tax season

Tax season is just a month away. Scribbling away on tax forms, doing math in your head or with calculators is no longer the norm for many people. It is often easier to file online, but if you use technology, you need to take steps to keep your personal information secure.

(WTOL) - Tax season is just a month away. Scribbling away on tax forms, doing math in your head or with calculators is no longer the norm for many people. It is often easier to file online, but if you use technology, you need to take steps to keep your personal information secure.

Technology has changed the way people file taxes. The Internal Revenue Service even offers a free service on computers, but some people use tablets or even smart phones. Those who do need to be sure to keep your private information private.

Online tax prep and even mobile applications make it easier than ever to complete your tax return on-the-go. But that means wherever you go, your valuable personal information goes with you, and that can be a scammer's dream.

"The main pieces of information that an identity thief would need: name, address, social security number, date of birth, telephone. They've got everything. That's the keys to your kingdom," explained identity theft prevention expert Steve Schwartz.

Schwartz works at Intersections, a company that specializes in identity theft prevention services. He said if you are going to use your laptop, your tablet or your smart phone for filing taxes, make sure it is secure.

Never use an open wireless network like at an airport or a coffee shop, no matter how much you think you can trust that connection. Take precautions in case you leave that device behind.

"Make sure that you have a service that allows you to wipe that device if you lose it. If you lose it, you want to be able to remotely go online and say, 'Wipe all the data out of my device.' That way if somebody does get their hands on it, they can't get into your information," said Schwartz.

Also be mindful of someone looking over your shoulder while you enter your information. Plus, be sure to choose a password for the tax site or app, that is tough for scammers to crack.

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