Security Six VPN: What You Need To Know

When implementing a security six vpn solution for your tax practice, you’re not just checking a compliance box—you’re building a fortress around your clients’ most sensitive financial data. The IRS Security Six framework mandates robust remote access controls, and a properly configured VPN stands as your first line of defense against cyber threats targeting tax professionals in 2025.

Did You Know? According to the IRS Publication 4557, tax professionals must encrypt all client data in transit, and a VPN is the most effective way to meet this requirement when working remotely.

Why a Security Six VPN Is Essential for Tax Preparers

Tax professionals handle highly sensitive financial information—Social Security numbers, bank account details, and comprehensive income data. The IRS’s Security Six guidance underscores the importance of secure remote access to client data. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all traffic between your device and a remote VPN server, ensuring that no one—whether it’s a cybercriminal intercepting public Wi-Fi or an ISP scanning for unencrypted traffic—can read your data. By deploying a VPN in your practice, you meet IRS requirements for protecting client data and build a foundation of trust with every taxpayer you serve.

Safeguarding Client Information with Security Six VPN

• End-to-End Encryption: A VPN encrypts data at the source (your computer or mobile device) and decrypts it only at the VPN server. This prevents attackers from “sniffing” credentials, tax return files, or email attachments—especially when you’re working remotely or connected to unsecured networks. Learn more about data encryption requirements for tax professionals.
• Compliance with IRS Publication 4557: The IRS explicitly mandates measures to protect nonpublic personal information (NPPI). A security six vpn satisfies “data-in-transit” encryption requirements, ensuring tax returns, spreadsheets, and client portals remain confidential.

Preserving Professional Reputation

A single data breach can erode client trust and attract severe penalties. By routing all remote connections—client portals, e-file systems, and cloud storage—through an encrypted VPN tunnel, you demonstrate proactive adherence to IRS Safeguards Rule and avoid reputational damage from accidental data leaks.

Enabling Secure Remote Work

Remote preparation of tax returns, year-round bookkeeping, and virtual client consultations are increasingly common. A VPN allows your team to access tax software, network drives, and practice-management tools from home or on-the-go without exposing NPPI. This flexibility not only meets IRS security standards but also supports business continuity if office access is interrupted.

How Security Six VPN Works: An Overview for Tax Professionals

A Virtual Private Network establishes a secure tunnel between your device—laptop, desktop, or tablet—and the VPN server operated by your provider. All data (emails, tax-return PDFs, client financial documents) passes through this tunnel in encrypted form. Even if someone intercepts the packets, they remain unintelligible without the encryption key.

Connection Process

1. Authentication: You open your VPN client and enter your credentials. The VPN server verifies your identity.
2. Tunnel Establishment: The client and server negotiate a secure encryption protocol (e.g., OpenVPN or IKEv2).
3. Encrypted Traffic Flow: Every byte of data—whether you’re uploading Form 1040 files to an IRS e-file portal or downloading bank statements—traverses the encrypted tunnel. The VPN server then forwards your requests to the internet, masking your actual IP address with the server’s IP.

Key Security Features for Tax Practices

• Kill Switch: If your VPN connection drops, the kill switch blocks all internet traffic until the VPN tunnel is reestablished—preventing unencrypted NPPI from leaking.
• DNS Leak Protection: Ensures that all domain lookups (e.g., when accessing IRS e-services) happen within the VPN tunnel, so your ISP or local network cannot see which websites you visit.
• Split Tunneling (Optional): Route only tax-related apps (e-file software, client portals) through the VPN, while non-sensitive traffic—like VOIP calls or streaming—to go directly over your regular internet connection, preserving bandwidth.

Types of Security Six VPN Solutions Suited for Tax Preparers

Remote Access VPN (Ideal for Small Practices and Solo Preparer Offices)

A Remote Access VPN securely connects individual devices—laptops, tablets, or smartphones—to your practice’s internal network. This is the most common setup for tax professionals who need to:

• Work from Home or a Coffee Shop: Access your office tax-preparation server, local practice management system, or shared network folders—while ensuring NPPI remains encrypted over public Wi-Fi.
• Support Virtual Clients: Review client documents stored on your network, upload completed returns securely, and communicate via encrypted VoIP or secure chat.

Site-to-Site VPN (For Multi-Office Accounting Firms)

When your practice has multiple branches or works closely with a partner office, a Site-to-Site VPN connects entire networks over the internet. Two main variants are:

• Intranet-Based VPN: Links your main office network to a satellite office, allowing employees at both locations to access shared resources—practice management software, network drives—securely as if they were on the same LAN.
• Extranet-Based VPN: Connects your network to a trusted third-party service—like a specialized remote-exam firm or outsourced payroll provider—enabling secure data exchange without exposing your internal network to the public internet.

Understanding Security Six VPN Protocols for Tax Data Security

Different protocols determine how your VPN encrypts and transmits data. The IRS recommends strong encryption algorithms to protect NPPI. Below are commonly used protocols and their relevance for tax professionals.

OpenVPN

• Security: Uses OpenSSL libraries and AES-256 encryption, offering robust protection.
• Use Case: Ideal for tax preparers requiring compatibility across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It excels at bypassing network restrictions—important if you travel and need to connect from client offices or conference Wi-Fi.
• Performance: Slightly higher CPU usage but modern routers and devices handle it without issue.

Industry Standard: The CISA Telework Essentials Toolkit recommends OpenVPN as a secure protocol for remote work implementations.

WireGuard

• Security: Implements ChaCha20 encryption with a lean codebase, simplifying audits and reducing attack surface.
• Use Case: Perfect for tablets or ultrabooks used in the field—its low overhead preserves battery life and boosts speeds when uploading large client data files.
• Performance: Exceptional throughput, making it suitable for heavy data transfers—like backing up your encrypted client database to a secure cloud repository.

IKEv2/IPsec

• Security: Native support on most operating systems—Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android—using AES-256.
• Use Case: Useful for mobile tax preparers who switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. IKEv2 automatically re-establishes the VPN tunnel after network changes, minimizing interruptions.
• Performance: Stable and fast, though fewer customization options than OpenVPN.

L2TP/IPsec

• Security: Encapsulates traffic in an L2TP tunnel, then encrypts with IPsec.
• Use Case: Common built-in option on routers and operating systems—good fallback if other protocols fail.
• Performance: More overhead and can be blocked by strict firewalls—best used only when other options aren’t available.

IRS Remote Access Security Requirements for Security Six VPN

According to IRS Publication 1075 and the Security Six framework, tax professionals must implement specific security measures when accessing client data remotely:

Mandatory Encryption Standards

• Traffic Encryption: All remote access must use tools that encrypt both the traffic and authentication requests. The IRS requires AES-256 encryption or equivalent for data in transit.
• Authentication Security: Remote access systems must implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to verify user identity beyond just username and password.
• Session Management: Automatic timeout features must disconnect idle sessions to prevent unauthorized access if a device is left unattended.

Documentation Requirements

Your Written Information Security Plan (WISP) must document:

• The business rationale for remote access
• Security controls implemented for remote connections
• User authorization procedures and access reviews
• Incident response procedures for compromised remote access

Dedicated IP Address: When Tax Preparers Should Consider It

A dedicated IP address is a static IP reserved exclusively for your account rather than shared among multiple VPN subscribers. While shared IPs enhance privacy by camouflaging multiple users behind a single IP, a dedicated IP offers tax practices specific advantages:

Improved E-File and Client Portal Access

Tax software and IRS e-file portals sometimes flag shared-VPN IPs as suspicious—triggering additional security checks or blocking access. A dedicated IP ensures consistent access without re-verification challenges, streamlining daily e-filing for returns.

Server Whitelisting for Secure Remote Access

If you host a self-managed practice server (file server, remote desktop, or practice management console), you can whitelist your dedicated IP at the firewall. This means only connections from that specific IP are allowed, blocking every other address—drastically reducing the risk of unauthorized access. For more on firewall configuration, see our guide on firewall configuration for tax prep businesses.

Better Reputation and Reduced Blacklisting

Shared IP addresses risk being blacklisted if another subscriber sends spam or engages in malicious activity. A dedicated IP eliminates that neighbor-activity risk, ensuring your business communications—such as secure email deliveries to clients—aren’t marked as spam due to someone else’s behavior.

Considerations

• Additional Cost: Most VPN providers charge an extra $3–$7 per month for a dedicated IP.
• Not Required for All Practices: If you rarely host your own services or only need a VPN for secure remote Wi-Fi, a shared IP is typically sufficient.

Choosing the Right Security Six VPN for Tax Preparers

When evaluating VPN providers, prioritize features that align with IRS security guidelines and your daily workflow.

Essential Features

1. AES-256 Encryption: The IRS requires strong encryption—ensure your VPN uses AES-256 for data at rest and in transit.
2. No-Logs Policy: Choose a provider audited by a reputable third party (e.g., PwC or Deloitte) to confirm they do not store user activity logs, upholding client confidentiality even if compelled by legal orders.
3. Kill Switch & DNS Leak Protection: Prevent accidental NPPI exposure if the VPN momentarily disconnects or leaks DNS requests to your ISP.
4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Some VPN clients support MFA at login—ideal for enforcing a second authentication factor before granting access to your practice network. Learn more about 2FA implementation for tax software.
5. Wide Server Network: A large global footprint helps ensure high speeds and reliable connections—critical when downloading large bank statement PDFs or uploading year-end financials.
6. Dedicated IP Option: If you host internal services or frequently access IRS e-file portals, consider a dedicated IP to streamline firewall whitelisting and reduce access issues.

Integrating a Security Six VPN into Your Tax Practice

Step-by-Step Deployment

1. Choose Your Provider and Plan: Select a business-focused VPN that offers AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and optional dedicated IP.
2. Install VPN Clients: Deploy VPN apps on every device used for client data—desktop PCs in the office, laptops used for remote work, and any tablets that access practice management portals.
3. Configure Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection: In each client’s settings, enable the kill switch and DNS leak protection to ensure no data escapes the encrypted tunnel.
4. Enforce Always-On VPN for Remote Work: Configure profiles so that laptops automatically connect to the VPN on boot—preventing users from accidentally accessing the internet unprotected.
5. Whitelist VPN IP at Your Firewall: If you manage your own office router or firewall, only allow inbound connections from your VPN provider’s dedicated IP or IP range—closing the door to all other addresses.
6. Train Your Team: Conduct a brief training session on connecting to the VPN, verifying the kill switch is active, and troubleshooting common issues (e.g., switching servers if a chosen location is slow).

Best Practice: According to OWASP Security Guidelines, always test your VPN configuration before deploying to production environments.

Verifying Compliance

• Review VPN Logs: Although the provider shouldn’t retain activity logs, internal logs should confirm that users connect through the VPN every time. An automated script can periodically check device IP addresses against expected VPN IPs.
• Annual Policy Audit: Update your Written Information Security Plan (WISP) and confirm the VPN’s encryption and protocol versions still meet IRS guidelines—replacing outdated protocols (e.g., PPTP) with modern ones (OpenVPN or WireGuard). For WISP templates, visit our free WISP template resource.
• Penetration Test: During your annual security audit, include tests that attempt to bypass the VPN (e.g., connecting to internal servers from unauthorized networks). Verify that only approved VPN connections succeed. Consider scheduling a professional penetration test to validate your security six vpn security.

Continuing Your Cybersecurity Journey with Security Six VPN

Regular Updates and Maintenance

• Keep VPN Clients Current: Ensure automatic updates are enabled. Patching vulnerabilities in the VPN software prevents attackers from exploiting known flaws.
• Rotate Encryption Keys: If your provider supports key rotation (e.g., reissuing certificates every six months), schedule this in your annual security calendar.
• Review User Access: Quarterly, check the list of authorized VPN accounts and remove any former employees or unused service accounts.

Layered Security Measures

A VPN is one element of a robust cybersecurity strategy. Combine it with:

• Endpoint Protection: Install Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) on all workstations to detect fileless malware, ransomware, and unauthorized application behavior. Review our EDR guide for tax professionals.
• Firewall Hardening: Configure next-gen firewalls to block all inbound traffic except from your VPN IP range. Use web filters to block phishing sites and known malicious domains.
• Secure Email Practices: Use encrypted email solutions (S/MIME or PGP) when sending tax returns or client financials. Never send NPPI as unencrypted attachments.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enforce MFA for all practice logins—VPN, e-file portals, practice-management software, and cloud storage.

Staying Informed

• Subscribe to IRS Alerts: Sign up for IRS Publication 4557 updates and Security Six bulletins to learn about new encryption requirements or recommended security controls.
• Follow Security News: Watch sources like KrebsOnSecurity or The Daily Swig for emerging VPN vulnerabilities or best-practice recommendations.
• Engage in Peer Networks: Join professional forums or local tax associations to share VPN recommendations, security incident experiences, and compliance tips.

By integrating a security six vpn that meets IRS standards into your tax preparation practice—combined with layered security controls and ongoing vigilance—you ensure that client data remains private, encrypted, and compliant with the Security Six. As threats evolve, maintaining a proactive approach to VPN configurations, endpoint protection, and staff training will keep your practice secure, trustworthy, and prepared for the digital challenges ahead. For comprehensive guidance on implementing all Security Six requirements, explore our complete cybersecurity guide for tax professionals.