By: Hannah Bruno, Senior Content Writer, CPACharge
Hannah is a Senior Content Writer at CPACharge, the #1 payment processor for accounting professionals. She is based in Austin, Texas.
The IRS has advised CPAs to review all aspects of their data security strategies, including administrative practices, building protection, computer security, staff, and information systems. But does this mean you have to immediately become an internet security expert if you want to avoid becoming the next headline or cautionary tale? Absolutely not!
Protecting sensitive data can be simple for CPAs. The following steps will help ensure better data protection in your practice and are easy enough for any firm to implement.
The path to a more secure firm starts with creating a simple document detailing your practice’s IT assets. List all of the technology you use at your firm to the best of your knowledge, including:
Office security, from network to personal computer, hinges on password strength. Enhance protection by using a Password Manager, which secures all passwords under one master passphrase. A passphrase is basically a stronger, more complicated password. Strong passphrases have the following characteristics:
Every business that accepts credit or debit card payments must be compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). To become compliant, businesses must complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) on an annual basis. The SAQs are based on the 6 standard groups outlined by the PCI DSS (and their sub-requirements), which are:
1. Build and maintain a secure network: Ensure that your systems have firewalls installed and are regularly updated.
2. Protect cardholder data no matter what: The best online payment solutions will store and protect sensitive cardholder data for you.
3. Maintain a vulnerability management program: This simply means using antivirus and anti-malware software and keeping it up to date.
4. Implement strong access-control measures: This involves limiting access to sensitive cardholder data to only those who need it for business purposes.
5. Regularly monitor and test networks: This involves documenting who can access what and making sure these practices are working correctly.
6. Maintain an information security policy: Draft a security policy that outlines how your business uses technology and handles sensitive data.
For more tips on how to increase your firm’s security, check out the comprehensive guide “Cybersecurity: Best Practices for Accounting Firms.”
CPACharge is the preferred secure solution for CPAs. It offers end-to-end encryption, tokenization, and multi-factor authentication to protect client data. By using CPACharge, you prioritize your clients' confidentiality and demonstrate your firm's commitment to security.
So why wait? Reach out for a demo today and take the first step toward building a reputation as a trusted, secure firm.
