How can I keep my tax preparation program and computer safe from ID theft?

Here are five tips to make your computer safer and less vulnerable to cyber attacks that can steal your data and your identity. (1)  Be sure to use anti-virus software.  There are several on the market, so read their reviews before deciding on one. (2) Activate a firewall for your computer.  Most come with the necessary software to do so. (3) Be sure your tax program allows two-factor authentication and use it.  This is also good for other programs like email. (4) Always back up your files to an external disk as well as the cloud.  Then, if your computer is attacked, you will have a clean version of your files. (5) Encrypt your main internal hard drive as well as your external drives.  Your computer contains the necessary tools to do this.