IT security in small and medium-sized accounting firms – a way to win the trust of large partners

IT security in small and medium-sized accounting firms – a way to win the trust of large partners

Small and medium-sized accounting firms are increasingly becoming targets of cybercriminals. Why? Because they have access to very valuable data – financial, personal, tax information – and at the same time they often don’t have as much security as large corporations.
In this article, we’ll tell you what you can do to better protect your customers’ data, meet the expectations of large companies and… sleep better.

Why is it so important?
If you run an accounting firm, you have access to data that is at a premium for criminals. Personal data, PITs, bank account numbers, financial reports – all can be used for identity theft, extortion or blackmail.
It’s a serious problem for your customers, but it’s also a serious problem for you – because if your data is leaked, you could lose your reputation, get a financial penalty and even be sued. Large companies often verify the level of security of their partners, so if you want to cooperate with serious players – cyber security must be at a high level with you.

What can you do right now?
1. make sure you have a trained team
People make mistakes – they click on suspicious links, download attachments from unknown sources, use weak passwords. That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly train employees on the basics of cyber security – how to recognize phishing, how to set passwords, how to protect customer data.

2. Invest in basic security
You don’t have to spend a fortune. A well-configured firewall, antivirus, regular data backup, or filtering of network traffic are the absolute basics. It’s also worth enabling two-factor login (MFA), especially if you work remotely.

3. do a security audit
A good IT specialist can analyze your company and show you where the weaknesses are. You may find that it only takes a few minor changes to significantly improve security.

4. Have a plan of action
However, if something were to happen – you need to know what to do. It’s a good idea to have internal procedures: what to do in case of an incident, who is responsible for what, how to inform customers. This not only makes it easier to act in difficult situations, but also makes a good impression on your partners.

You don’t have to do it alone
There are companies on the market that combine technical expertise with experience in the accounting industry. They help small and medium-sized offices secure themselves so that they meet the expectations of even very demanding clients – often those who publish stock market reports and are subject to strict regulations.
Such companies offer not only technology, but also support, documentation and even preparation for audits. They work flexibly – they don’t impose solutions, but tailor them to your realities and budget.

Summary: Security is not a cost – it is an investment
Nowadays it’s not enough to do good math and know your taxes. If you want to grow your business and get more customers – you need to have a well-secured IT infrastructure. This not only protects you and your customers, but also gives you a competitive advantage.
Don’t wait until something happens. Take care of your security now – and show that you are a trustworthy partner.

Want to find out how we can help secure your accounting office? Contact us – and let’s work together to ensure your peace of mind and the trust of your clients.