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CPA firms are very familiar with audits. Usually, their audits concern the IRS and taxes. Unlike an IRS audit, cybersecurity audits are often done internally to test a security system’s strengths and weaknesses. A cybersecurity audit can boost a CPA firm’s security measures by finding vulnerabilities and correcting them before hackers have a chance to expose them. At Cetrom, our security experts work exclusively with CPA firms and we’ve learned a lot about conducting cybersecurity audits for CPA firms. We’ll cover how to conduct an audit, how often you should perform a cybersecurity audit and other recommendations for cybersecurity audits. Cybersecurity audits are one of the best cost-effective ways to protect your firm. They may be the difference between you finding and correcting a security flaw and a hacker finding and exposing the same security flaw causing irreparable financial damage.
Depending on the level of detail used, cybersecurity audits can range in time frame from a few days to months. Ultimately, audits are intended to assess risk and identify measures to build stronger future protections. Audits can also ensure your firm is on track to comply with accounting industry regulations like SSAE 16, government recommended cybersecurity frameworks, and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, that requires financial institutions like CPA firms to safeguard financial data. For many CPA firms, it’s best to hire a cybersecurity auditing company to occasionally take on this task. An outside, objective perspective can help illuminate vulnerabilities that were previously overlooked. However, internal audits can be done more frequently and still have real value. The following steps are broad guidelines for conducting a cybersecurity audit.
These steps are cyclical. After each audit, the process begins anew. The results will inform future steps and highlight areas for focus. Be sure to carefully document the audit process and results to streamline future audits. Security audits are not a one-off endeavor but should be conducted frequently for best results.
Audits can be time-consuming, expensive, and ironically, can take your security team’s focus away from their primary duties. You’ll also need to determine how often, and if, your company will hire outside experts to audit your security and how often you’ll conduct internal audits. For small- and medium-sized CPA firms, internal audits may realistically be the best option to ensure appropriate frequency. The one thing that no firm wants to do is to conduct an audit in response to a security breach. Regardless of your firm’s size, it’s recommended that you conduct security audits twice per year.
Twice per year may seem like a lot, but for many firms an audit will be fast and painless, particularly after the first one has been completed. Audits will be fastest for those who primarily use cloud computing, a limited number of computer systems, and who conduct more frequent monitoring. Frequent auditing, even if every audit isn’t totally comprehensive, is an effective way to improve cybersecurity.
Successful cybersecurity audits adhere to some common principles. Following best practices for security audits can help elevate your firm’s cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity audits are a strong action you can take to protect your CPA firm. They have the benefit of being preemptive and proactive and can help you find weaknesses before they become a problem. Audits are a cost-effective way to protect your CPA firm — they demonstrate to your clients that you’re protecting their data and prioritizing cybersecurity. Contact us today with any questions about cybersecurity audits for CPA firms or to learn more about our security services.
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