In recent months, hackers using ransomware and other cybersecurity attacks have successfully targeted prominent U.S. firms and government agencies. But with less publicity, hackers are continually targeting small- and medium-sized firms as well as individuals. Unfortunately, they’re often successful. As highlighted in other blogs, CPA firms have unique financial resources and data that hackers value and seek to exploit. CPA firms can protect themselves, but they need to be able to both handle and adapt to the current cybersecurity threats within the industry. Consider using the following cybersecurity resources to identify gaps in your current systems and find ways to improve security and increase production.
Keeping in front of current trends and news can make a huge difference in protecting your firm. These resources are great for learning about the latest news.
CNET Security: This site is an excellent source of cybersecurity product and software reviews. They also track the latest cybersecurity news and provide in-depth follow-ups on key issues.
Forbes Cybersecurity: While you won’t necessarily get specific advice on minute aspects of cybersecurity, Forbes is an excellent option for broad trends and overlooked stories. If you’re interested in the geopolitics of cybersecurity, as well as cybersecurity and breaches at the highest level, this is for you.
Schneier on Security: Bruce Schneier has been writing about cybersecurity issues for over 20 years. And it shows. If you want to dive into the nitty-gritty elements of cybersecurity, Schneier on Security is the place to go. The website is a wealth of information and takes a different and more complete view on cybersecurity issues than most online resources.
CSO Online: This magazine has a resource library that is searchable and easily filtered. It’s especially helpful if there is certain information you are searching for. What’s more, they consistently provide updates on U.S. cybersecurity news.
Purdue University: Information Technology: This is a clearinghouse of dozens of online resources for cybersecurity, IT news, and other information for aspiring and seasoned cybersecurity professionals.
MSSP Alert: This site offers extensive business, technology and cybersecurity news and research for Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs), MSPs and cybersecurity professionals who safeguard customer data and networks.
These resources are among those that cater directly to CPA firms:
AICPA: The American Institute of CPAs claims to be the world’s largest CPA member organization. They offer different types of cybersecurity training that cater directly to CPA firms. Many of their training opportunities, resources, and tools are only available to member organizations.
Journal of Accountancy: This journal caters broadly to issues important to CPA firms. But it often has cybersecurity information that is helpful and important for CPA firms in particular.
The CPA Journal: This CPA-specific resource often has experts write articles tailored to addressing cybersecurity at CPA firms.
Being aware of your vulnerabilities is an important step toward protection. What’s more, consistently improving and developing expertise helps you stay relevant in a quickly evolving field. These technical assistance opportunities help CPA firms continue to develop competency and capabilities to address cybersecurity. These resources are government agencies or nonprofits that don’t have a vested interest in selling you anything. Their materials are generally free and publicly available.
Federal Communications Commission: The FCC has several documents and web pages devoted to cybersecurity for small businesses. They also have lists of other resources produced by governmental agencies. They are all free, well-sourced, and available at any time.
The Center for Internet Security: This is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to safeguard public and private organizations against cyberthreats. They have free, downloadable guides on controls, configuration guidelines, benchmarks and more.
Cetrom’s services are focused on and specifically cater to CPA and accounting firms. Our business is providing long-term solutions to help firms protect themselves from cyberattacks through their cloud-based IT solutions. We offer reliable Accounting Application Hosting and IT services for CPA Firms, but also produce free content and information for CPA firms at large who may not be ready to outsource their cybersecurity needs.
Cetrom Blog: Data tells us that the majority of successful cyberattacks occur due to employee oversight or negligence. Our blog aims to educate CPA firm employees, executives and cybersecurity professionals on wide-ranging topics, from beginner to advanced levels. Previous topics focused on the benefits of safely moving your CPA firm to the cloud, the future of cybersecurity, and how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped security. Other topics detail how cybersecurity can impact your ROI. As a theme, blog topics are tailored for CPA firms and provide actionable information about trending cybersecurity issues, making it a great cybersecurity resource for firms.
Client Success: These are case studies and stories of the client experience when switching to Cetrom. The case studies are helpful for comparing your cybersecurity situation (including strategies, amount of cost and work, and competency) to other CPA firms. The case studies demonstrate the firm’s reasons for changing their cybersecurity approach as well as the experience of switching to Cetrom.
White Papers: Cetrom’s white papers take a deep look into cybersecurity topics often overlooked. How to Enable a Distributed Workforce with the Cloud; Transitioning Your CPA Firm to the New Normal: Virtual Work Environments Are Here to Stay; Data Protection Best Practices; and How CPA Firms can Stay Relevant, Reliable, and Flexible. Download one of our white papers if you want an in-depth guide — then feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.
The amount of online cybersecurity resources for CPA firms is both advantageous and overwhelming. Contact us today with any questions about the online resources, including Cetrom’s resource catalog, audits for CPA firms, or to learn more about our security services.