Technology Advisor Blog

Every year, the IRS releases its list of the “Dirty Dozen” - the most common tax scams they’re seeing across the country.

And every year, we have the same conversation with clients:

“I got an email that looked official… I just wanted to double-check before I clicked anything.”

This year’s list for 2026 is a reminder of something we’re seeing more and more - scammers aren’t just targeting individuals anymore. They’re going after small businesses, nonprofits, and busy teams who don’t have time to second-guess every message.

Let’s break down what matters most - and what to watch for.

The IRS “Dirty Dozen” tax scams for 2026 highlight the most common ways scammers target taxpayers and small businesses - from phishing emails and fake charities to misleading tax credits and identity theft. Understanding these scams can help you avoid costly mistakes, protect sensitive information, and reduce your risk during tax season. 

Business email compromise, or BEC, is not always about a suspicious email. Sometimes the real danger is an attacker quietly using a real account while your business has no idea. 

When most people think about email security, they picture a suspicious message landing in someone’s inbox. Maybe it has a strange link, awkward wording, or a request that feels just a little off.

That is still a very real problem. But some of the most damaging email-related attacks do not start with an obviously fake message. They start when a criminal gets access to a real Microsoft 365 account and begins quietly looking around.

That is what makes business email compromise so dangerous.

In February, Windows 11 Updates consisted of its monthly Patch Tuesday fixes, AI features to boost workflow productivity, connecting your mobile device to your desktop, updates in voice narration controls, and accumulative performance updates.

Amazon provides users with an extensive ecommerce platform, with purchases ranging from clothing, games, kitchen, niche topics, home décor, technology, and more right at your fingertips. Exceptional delivery time on everyday items, insightful reviews, and a great return policy. Though Amazon has millions of official and 3^rd party sellers using its ecommerce platform in showcasing their products & services, there are risks to be aware of especially when buying laptops.
In recent months, we have heard reports of users buying computers from Amazon with complicated issues regarding unclear support policy plans and overall, not what they were expecting. In today’s blog post, we are going to discuss key risks that come with purchasing from 3^rd party sellers on Amazon, with misleading specs and even receiving used items.
At Ekaru, our goal isn’t to instill fear but provide users with the most up-to-date cybersecurity findings to help you make informed decisions. Especially when it comes to your devices and overall cybersecurity hygiene. Located in Westford MA, we work alongside multiple small and medium-sized businesses in the Boston metropolitan area ranging from doctor offices, construction, attorney offices, accounting, and so much more.

You did it. You upgraded to that big, beautiful, high-resolution monitor. Maybe it’s 27 inches. Maybe it’s 4K. Maybe it looked absolutely stunning in the store.

By the end of January, you likely have received your tax return documents with a deadline completion set for April 15, 2026.
With the current time frame of 8-10 weeks to completion, some will leave their taxes to the last minute or engage an accountant for their services. What if we told you that the longer you wait to do your taxes, the more at risk your information falls into the hands of a hacker? In turn causing the big headache that goes along with identity theft and tax fraud.
Hackers have found intricate loopholes to steal your personal and tax information for malicious and financial gain. At Ekaru, our goal isn’t to instill fear when it comes to cybersecurity threats.  It’s essential to understand that anyone can become an unsuspecting victim of a scam. Our intent is to provide you and your business with the essential tools to defend your personal data with peace of mind. In today’s blog, we will discuss why it’s better to get your taxes done proactively.

In January, multiple updates for Windows 11 affected millions of users. These mostly consisted of security patches, bug fixes, AI implementation and a new feature in the mix to improve the user experience for Microsoft users. As we enter a new month, Microsoft has another wave of updates for users that can help improve their security posture, enhance some features and discontinued others.

Just because it is January, does not mean hackers are ceasing their cyber attacks on businesses and unsuspecting victims. This month, we have noticed scams such as stealing debit card information at local stores hitting close to home, sophisticated phishing attempts across social media accounts, particularly Instagram, and Windows 11 updates we’ve observed for users. At Ekaru, our goals are to provide users with the most up-to-date news for cybersecurity locally and across the US, while also providing tips to keeping you and businesses safe.

Have you been in the middle of a significant deadline with complete focus, then all a sudden your desktop shuts down abruptly causing your focus and productivity to cease? It happens to the best of us.

If your email isn’t working today, you’re not alone.