If You’re an Accounting Firm, Your IT Might Not Be as Secure as You Think

Your firm manages highly sensitive financial data — tax records, payroll files, social security numbers, and more. Clients trust you to keep that information safe. But most firms are sitting on critical IT gaps without even realizing itExposed – The 7 Most Da….

This isn’t about selling fear. It’s about exposing real mistakes we uncover in accounting firms every day — and what to do instead. If any of these seven issues sound familiar, it’s time to rethink how your firm handles IT services, cybersecurity, and compliance.

1. Your Backups Exist — But No One’s Watching Them

Most firms say they have backups. But are they tested? Verified? Stored off-site? In many cases, they’re not. We often find firms relying on a single backup system that hasn’t been checked in weeks — or is stored on the same server as live dataExposed – The 7 Most Da….

The fix:
Use managed data backup and recovery solutions that are monitored daily, tested regularly, and stored securely off-site. If your backups aren’t checked, they won’t be there when you need them.

2. No Multi-Factor Authentication on Critical Systems

MFA is one of the easiest ways to block unauthorized access. Yet, many firms don’t have it enabled on Microsoft 365, remote desktops, or accounting apps. That’s a major liabilityExposed – The 7 Most Da….

The fix:
Enforce MFA across all systems. A managed IT services provider should help you implement it quickly.

3. Your IT Provider Hasn’t Talked About the FTC Safeguards Rule

If you’re a CPA firm, you’re subject to the FTC Safeguards Rule — a federal regulation requiring data protection plans, employee training, risk assessments, and written security policies. Most firms we audit have no idea this rule existsExposed – The 7 Most Da….

The fix:
Get a network assessment and find out where your firm stands. Your IT company should be guiding you through compliance — not leaving you in the dark.

4. No Incident Response Plan

If a breach hits your firm, what’s your plan? Most firms don’t have one — even though cyber insurance policies and the FTC Safeguards Rule require itExposed – The 7 Most Da….

The fix:
Document a plan now. Know who to call, what to shut down, and how to notify clients. A great IT support team will help you build and test it.

5. You’re Still Relying on Antivirus and Calling It “Security”

Basic antivirus doesn’t protect against phishing, ransomware, or real-time threats. Yet, many firms have no monitoring, no endpoint detection, no user training — just hopeExposed – The 7 Most Da….

The fix:
Upgrade your security posture with cybersecurity support that includes:

• Endpoint detection and response
• Patch management
• Phishing simulations
• Encrypted backups
• 24/7 monitoring

6. Your Staff Isn’t Trained to Spot Cyber Threats

Phishing emails and spoofed logins are everywhere. If your staff clicks the wrong link, it could lock down your systems — or expose client data. Human error is still the #1 cause of breachesExposed – The 7 Most Da….

The fix:
Run simulations, send monthly training videos, and reinforce best practices. Any reliable IT consulting team should help you stay ahead of this.

7. Your “Flat-Rate” IT Plan Doesn’t Include What You Actually Need

Many firms are shocked to learn that their flat-rate plan doesn’t include security tools, compliance support, or routine maintenance. These surprises often show up after a breach — or in the form of unexpected invoicesExposed – The 7 Most Da….

The fix:
Ask for a clear list of what’s included. No gray areas. No hidden fees. A trusted managed IT services plan should be transparent and built around your needs.

You Don’t Have to Wait for a Breach to Make a Change

Most firms don’t know there’s a problem until it’s too late. But you don’t have to wait for a breach, failed backup, or compliance fine to act. You can get ahead of it now.

The first step? Get a clear picture of where your firm stands. We make that simple with a no-cost consultation and security assessment.

Book your free 15-minute strategy call

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest IT risks for accounting firms?
Unmonitored backups, weak passwords, no MFA, lack of compliance, and relying only on antivirus are the most common mistakes.

What is the FTC Safeguards Rule and does it apply to my firm?
Yes, if you’re a CPA firm. It requires you to have a written security plan, train staff, and monitor for threats — all things IT support should help with.

Can my current IT provider handle this?
If they haven’t mentioned the FTC rule, aren’t testing your backups, or don’t offer strategic IT consulting, they may be putting your firm at risk.

Is antivirus enough for my firm’s cybersecurity?
No. You need layered cybersecurity support including monitoring, training, MFA, and secure backups.

How often should I test my data backups?
At least monthly. Our data backup and recovery solutions include automated test restores to ensure your data is recoverable.

What if I already have someone doing IT for us?
We offer supplemental IT services to support internal teams during tax season or for compliance and security audits.

Do I really need an incident response plan?
Yes. Without it, you risk chaos during a breach — and possible non-compliance with insurance or regulations.

How do I train my staff on cyber threats?
We provide simple, consistent training and phishing simulations that help your employees stay sharp.

Can I see how this works for another firm?
Yes! Check out our Gift CPA success story to see how another accounting firm fixed these exact issues.

How do I get started?
Start with a 15-minute call. No pressure, just a chance to see if your firm is protected — or exposed.