Accounting Firms
Cybersecurity for Accounting Practices
Accounting firms are treasure troves for cybercriminals - you have Social Security numbers, tax returns, financial statements, and bank account details for hundreds of clients. During busy seasons, staff are stressed and more likely to fall for scams. Here's how to protect your practice and your clients' most sensitive information.
Top Threats
- • Tax identity theft using stolen client SSNs
- • Ransomware during busy season for maximum pressure
- • Business email compromise targeting wire transfers
- • Phishing attacks impersonating the IRS or state tax agencies
- • Data breaches exposing financial records
How Attacks Happen
- • Phishing emails disguised as IRS notices or client documents
- • Fake tax software updates containing malware
- • Stolen credentials used to access client portals
- • Wire fraud during tax refund season
- • Compromised remote access during work-from-home
Compliance Requirements
- • IRS Publication 4557 - Safeguarding taxpayer data
- • FTC Safeguards Rule (for firms acting as financial institutions)
- • AICPA Code of Professional Conduct
- • State board requirements for data protection
- • State breach notification laws
- • Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (for certain services)
Is your business exposed?
Security Checklist
- 1.
Enable MFA on all systems, especially tax software and email
- 2.
Encrypt all devices containing client tax data
BitLocker or FileVault
- 3.
Use secure file sharing, not email, for tax documents
- 4.
Create a written information security plan (required by IRS)
- 5.
Back up client data daily to encrypted cloud storage
- 6.
Train all staff on phishing before busy season
- 7.
Use a password manager for the entire firm
Bitwarden Teams
- 8.
Review and update security during the off-season
Related Industries
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