Cybersecurity for CPAs and accounting firms
CPA firms handle some of the most sensitive financial data in existence. The IRS, AICPA, and FTC all require you to protect it. We provide the specialized security solutions that accounting practices need to meet every compliance obligation while keeping client data safe from increasingly sophisticated threats.
Threat Landscape
Why CPA firms are prime targets
Accounting firms hold Social Security numbers, bank account details, income records, and business financials for hundreds or thousands of clients. Attackers know exactly what they are looking for.
Business Email Compromise (BEC)
Attackers impersonate partners, clients, or the IRS to trick staff into wiring funds or sharing sensitive data. CPA firms are targeted heavily because they handle high-value financial information and have trusted relationships with clients who will act on their instructions.
Ransomware During Tax Season
Cybercriminals deliberately time ransomware attacks to coincide with filing deadlines when your firm cannot afford any downtime. They know you are more likely to pay a ransom when thousands of client returns are locked and the deadline is days away.
Client Portal and Cloud Account Takeover
Stolen credentials from phishing or credential-stuffing attacks give attackers access to your cloud accounting platforms, client portals, and document management systems. Once inside, they can exfiltrate years of financial records before you notice anything unusual.
Insider Threats and Staff Turnover
Departing employees who retain access to systems or take client data with them represent a significant risk. Without proper access controls and offboarding procedures, former staff can access sensitive financial records long after leaving your firm.
AICPA Standards
AICPA cybersecurity requirements for CPAs
Beyond IRS mandates, the AICPA imposes its own standards on member firms. Meeting these requirements is essential for maintaining your professional standing.
AICPA Code of Professional Conduct
Rule 301 on confidentiality requires CPAs to protect client information from unauthorized disclosure. A data breach resulting from inadequate security measures can constitute a violation, leading to disciplinary action from your state board.
SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria
If your firm undergoes SOC 2 examinations or provides assurance services, you must demonstrate security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy controls within your own organization. A firm that cannot secure its own data has no credibility auditing others.
AICPA Cybersecurity Risk Management Framework
The AICPA has published a specific framework for CPAs to assess and communicate their cybersecurity risk management programs. Adopting this framework demonstrates to clients and regulators that your firm takes data protection seriously.
IRS Compliance
IRS security requirements for accounting firms
IRS Publication 4557 and the FTC Safeguards Rule outline specific obligations that apply to every CPA and accounting professional who handles taxpayer data.
Our Solutions
Purpose-built security for accounting practices
WISP and Compliance Documentation
We build a complete Written Information Security Plan tailored to your CPA practice, covering IRS Publication 4557, AICPA standards, and FTC Safeguards Rule requirements in one unified document.
Learn moreManaged Detection and Response
Enterprise-grade endpoint protection and continuous automated threat monitoring. We detect and neutralize threats before they reach your client data.
Learn moreAccess Control and MFA Deployment
We configure role-based access controls, deploy multi-factor authentication across all systems, and establish secure remote access for staff working outside the office.
Learn moreStaff Training and Phishing Simulation
CPA-specific security awareness training covering tax-season phishing tactics, BEC recognition, and secure client communication. Includes ongoing simulated phishing campaigns.
Learn moreProtect your firm and your clients
Schedule a free consultation with our team. We will assess your current security posture and show you exactly what your firm needs to meet IRS and AICPA requirements.
Schedule Free Consultation