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The accounting industry is navigating a period of uncertainty, with potential legislative changes that could significantly impact firms. In an evolving regulatory and economic landscape, CPA firms need adaptable IT solutions that can keep pace with industry shifts while maintaining security, compliance, and efficiency.
Cetrom’s Advisory Services, also known as Virtual CIO services, provide expert guidance to help CPA firms enhance security, meet compliance requirements, and optimize IT infrastructure. Whether your firm is evaluating cybersecurity solutions, cloud strategies, or regulatory requirements, Cetrom ensures you have the right roadmap for success.
Security Advisory from Cetrom: Protecting Your Firm from Cyber Threats
CPA firms handle highly sensitive financial data, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. As your Virtual CIO services provider, our bespoke security advisory services provide enterprise-level security solutions to help firms proactively defend against cyber threats.
Key Security Strategies for CPA Firms
- Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV), Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR), and Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
Traditional antivirus is no longer sufficient. Cetrom provides advanced endpoint security solutions to detect, prevent, and respond to threats in real time. However, proper deployment and management require an experienced provider to ensure optimal protection. Learn more about our security solutions. - Adopting a Least Privilege Model
Restricting user access to only what’s necessary helps prevent security risks. Cetrom helps CPA firms implement permissions-based security models to protect sensitive financial data and prevent unauthorized access.
By limiting access to essential data and applications, firms can reduce the risk of internal threats, accidental data exposure, and cyberattacks. This approach also simplifies audit trails and compliance reporting, ensuring firms meet regulatory requirements like SOC 2 and the FTC Safeguards Rule.
- Turning on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere
MFA is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access. Cetrom ensures your firm has seamless, secure MFA implementation across all applications. - Proactive Patch Management
Outdated software is a major security risk. Cetrom provides automated, proactive patch management to eliminate vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can exploit them. - Ongoing Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Human error remains a top cause of security breaches. Cetrom’s cybersecurity training programs educate employees on phishing attacks, data protection, and best security practices to keep your firm secure.
Future-Proofing Your Firm
Cybersecurity is not just about protecting against today’s threats—it’s about preparing for the future. Cetrom allows CPA firms to scale IT resources based on their needs while ensuring flexible, secure access from anywhere.
As industry regulations and cyber risks evolve, Cetrom delivers the security and compliance firms need to stay ahead. With expert-managed IT and cloud solutions, firms can confidently adapt to new challenges without compromising security or efficiency. Your firm will be able to focus on what it does best while you have the peace of mind that your Virtual CIO will be your direct advisory resource when the time is right.
Compliance Advisory from Cetrom: Navigating Regulations with Confidence
Regulatory requirements for CPA firms are tightening, and staying compliant is no longer optional. Firms must adhere to stringent data protection laws, evolving cyber insurance mandates, and frameworks like SOC 2 and the FTC Safeguards Rule to protect sensitive client data and avoid penalties. However, keeping up with these requirements can be overwhelming, especially without dedicated IT compliance expertise.
With Cetrom as your virtual CIO service provider, our compliance advisory services help firms navigate complex regulations while maintaining operational efficiency. They ensure that security policies, employee training, and risk assessments are aligned with industry standards. With Cetrom’s expert guidance, CPA firms can proactively meet compliance obligations while focusing on their core business.
Key Compliance Solutions for CPA Firms
1. FTC Safeguards RuleThe FTC Safeguards Rule mandates CPA firms implement a security program with:
- Regular risk assessments
- Encryption of sensitive data
- Incident response planning
- Employee security training
Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and reputational damage.
Read our blog on FTC Safeguards Rule compliance.
2. Meeting Compliance with Cetrom Connect
Cetrom Connect provides a comprehensive IT security framework that helps CPA firms satisfy SOC 2, SSAE 16, and FTC Safeguards Rule requirements.
Cetrom Connect is a universal API technology that enables secure and reliable communication between networks over the Internet. With Cetrom Connect, Cetrom can securely connect your networks, including the Cetrom virtual desktop, Microsoft 365, Active Directory Domain Services, your local network, cloud printing, and more—eliminating the need for local on-site servers.
3. EDR and Cybersecurity Training for Cyber Insurance
Cyber insurance providers now require EDR solutions and cybersecurity training as prerequisites for coverage. Cetrom’s fully managed EDR and training solutions help CPA firms qualify for cyber insurance while strengthening security.
Solutions Advisory from Cetrom: Choosing the Right IT Model for Your Firm
Every CPA firm has unique IT needs based on size, structure, and technology adoption. With Cetrom's Virtual CIO Service, you benefit from expert IT advisory services to help your firm build a strategic IT roadmap tailored to its business goals.
Understanding your IT Model
Your firm's IT model is often dictated by the hosting requirements of the accounting software you use. Cetrom offers flexible solutions that meet your current software needs and evolve with your applications over time.
- Local Model – Your firm operates locally and uses online applications. Cetrom helps secure on-premise systems with enterprise-level security solutions.
- Hybrid Model – Your firm operates both locally and in the cloud using a Published App or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). Cetrom ensures seamless cloud integration while maintaining security.
- Fully Cloud Model – Your firm operates primarily in the cloud, leveraging secure virtual desktops. Cetrom provides enterprise-grade cloud security and IT management for maximum efficiency.
For firms with a hybrid or fully cloud model, Cetrom provides tailored virtual desktop solutions, outlining the benefits of each option. Based on your IT needs and business goals, we offer an honest comparison of Citrix vs. RDP, helping you choose the best fit.
If you’re looking to outsource IT management to an MSP or MSSP, Citrix Virtual Desktop has been proven to deliver superior performance, stability, and security.
No matter where your firm stands, Cetrom ensures a secure, scalable, and compliant IT infrastructure that evolves with your needs.
Maximizing Your IT Investments
Strategic IT management is about more than security and performance—it’s also about maximizing the value of your IT assets. CPA firms need a clear understanding of their hardware lifecycle, IT budget, and future technology needs to make informed investment decisions.
Cetrom provides a monthly hardware life report that includes warranty details and recommendations for lifecycle planning, budget forecasting, and equipment purchasing. By proactively managing IT assets, firms can avoid unexpected costs, reduce downtime, and ensure their technology aligns with long-term business goals.
Additionally, firms can take advantage of bulk discount pricing on equipment purchases, helping them get the best value for their investment. Cetrom also shares best practices and optimization strategies to help firms extend the life of their IT infrastructure and improve overall efficiency.
With the right insights and proactive planning, firms can ensure they’re getting the most out of their IT investments—today and in the future.
Why Partner with Cetrom for your Virtual CIO IT Advisory Services?
CPA firms can’t afford to take a reactive approach to IT. A strategic IT partner is essential to:- Strengthen cybersecurity defenses with enterprise-level security solutions.
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations and cyber insurance requirements.
- Optimize IT infrastructure for seamless operations and future growth.
- Guarantee business continuity with 99.9% uptime and award-winning support.
Take the Next Step Toward a More Secure, Compliant IT Future
If your CPA firm is evaluating IT security, compliance, or cloud solutions, now is the time to act. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats, the growing number of data breaches, and the evolving landscape of industry regulations make it critical for firms to stay ahead of potential risks rather than reacting after an incident occurs.
Cetrom’s Advisory Services provides proactive guidance to help CPA firms mitigate risks, maintain compliance, and future-proof their technology strategies.
With 99.9% uptime, award-winning support, and decades of experience specializing in IT for CPA firms, Cetrom is more than just an IT provider—we are your trusted strategic partner for long-term success.
Don't wait until a security breach or compliance issue disrupts your firm.
Schedule a consultation with our Executive-Level IT Solutions Experts today! Book a call now.
