The CPA Firm Cybersecurity Checklist: What to Expect from a Professional Assessment

      Summary Highlights:

• Learn why cybersecurity assessments are essential for CPA firms.
• Discover the top items checked during a professional cybersecurity review.
• See how Partners Plus helps keep CPA firms secure and audit-ready.

Why CPA Firms Need a Cybersecurity Assessment

CPA firms handle extremely sensitive data—Social Security numbers, income reports, tax documents, and more. If that information falls into the wrong hands, your clients could become victims of identity theft, and your firm could face serious consequences including fines, legal action, and reputational damage.

That’s why cybersecurity assessments aren’t just recommended—they’re essential. A professional assessment acts as a digital audit of your firm’s IT systems, pinpointing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. It’s a proactive step that helps ensure your technology, data practices, and staff are all aligned with best security standards.

Partners Plus is a trusted company that offers specialized cybersecurity assessments for CPA firms. Our process is built around IRS guidelines, including Publication 4557, and is designed to uncover hidden risks, strengthen weak spots, and help you meet regulatory compliance. We don’t stop at identifying problems—we provide expert solutions to help protect your firm from modern cyber threats.

What’s Included in a CPA Cybersecurity Assessment?

A full assessment checks more than just your firewall or antivirus software. It dives deep into how your entire office manages, stores, and shares sensitive data—and whether those practices are secure or leaving you exposed.

Risk Identification and Asset Inventory

We begin by identifying all your firm’s digital assets—desktops, laptops, servers, printers, mobile devices, and cloud platforms. This step helps us map out your tech environment and flag anything outdated, unprotected, or at risk of failure or breach.

Access Control and Login Protection

We examine how team members access your systems. Are passwords strong? Are you using multi-factor authentication (MFA)? We help you set up proper login protocols so only authorized users can get in—keeping bad actors out.

Encryption Practices

Your firm’s sensitive information—client documents, emails, and financial reports—must be encrypted at rest and in transit. We review your encryption methods to ensure data can’t be intercepted or read by unauthorized users, even if a breach occurs.

Phishing Simulations and Staff Testing

Human error is one of the biggest security risks. That’s why we simulate phishing attacks to see how your team responds. We provide easy-to-follow training to help staff recognize threats like fake emails, suspicious links, or spoofed login pages.

Backup and Recovery Planning

Cyberattacks, ransomware, or even accidental deletion can result in major data loss. That’s why businesses should consider multi-cloud backup solutions for enhanced security and greater resilience. We assess your backup systems to confirm that files are stored securely across reliable platforms and can be restored quickly if disaster strikes. We also review your disaster recovery plan to ensure your firm can bounce back fast—minimizing downtime and protecting your clients’ data every step of the way.

What Happens After the Assessment?

When the cybersecurity assessment is complete, Partners Plus provides a clear, jargon-free report. This includes:
• A list of vulnerabilities and how to fix them
• A cybersecurity grade based on your current risk level
• A prioritized action plan tailored to your firm’s needs
• Guidance to stay compliant with IRS Publication 4557, FTC Safeguards Rule, and state data privacy laws

How Partners Plus Helps CPA Firms Stay Safe

We don’t just find problems—we solve them. Our team takes action to patch vulnerabilities, update systems, and train your team. With Partners Plus, your CPA firm gets long-term protection, not just a one-time report.

Ready to secure your firm’s future? Call Partners Plus today or schedule your cybersecurity assessment online. Let us help you protect your clients, meet compliance standards, and operate with peace of mind.

FAQs on IT Services for CPA Firms

What differentiates IT services for CPA firms from general IT support?

CPA firms require industry-specific support that goes beyond standard IT solutions. This includes deep knowledge of accounting software, compliance with data protection regulations like HIPAA and FTC Safeguards, and heightened cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive financial data. Partners Plus offers customized, compliance-driven IT solutions tailored to the demands of accounting practices.

Which accounting software platforms do you support?

We have extensive experience with major accounting platforms, including QuickBooks, LaCerte, ProSystems fx, ProSeries, Thomson Reuters. Our team is well-versed in ensuring smooth integration, performance optimization, and compatibility across cloud, hybrid, or on-premise environments.

How do you help CPA firms with cybersecurity?

Partners Plus provides cybersecurity solutions for accounting practices, including multi-layered firewalls, endpoint protection, email security, and 24/7 monitoring. We also offer compliance support and risk assessments to protect against data breaches, ransomware attacks, and insider threats—all tailored to the needs of financial professionals.

Do you offer HIPAA or FTC Safeguards compliance support?

Yes. Our team ensures your systems meet the compliance standards required by HIPAA (especially if you manage healthcare-related financials), the FTC Safeguards Rule, GLBA, and other regulatory frameworks. We proactively manage your IT infrastructure to minimize audit risks and ensure client data privacy.

Can you help us with cyber insurance applications?

Absolutely. We offer free cyber insurance application reviews for our CPA clients. We’ve found critical errors in nearly every submission we’ve reviewed, which can result in claim denials. We help ensure your applications are completed correctly and that your IT infrastructure aligns with the requirements of most underwriters.

What’s included in your managed IT services for CPAs?

Our managed IT services for accounting firms include proactive monitoring, 24/7 support, network security, software updates, cloud service management, secure backups, and technology planning. Everything is tailored to minimize downtime and boost performance during peak business periods like tax season.

How fast is your support response time?

We prioritize fast, human-centered support. You’ll speak directly with a real technician—no automated systems. We offer multiple support channels (phone, email, SMS, and chat), and many clients schedule recurring appointments with their preferred tech for ongoing needs.

Do you offer IT support for remote or hybrid CPA teams?

Yes. Whether your firm operates on-site, remotely, or in a hybrid model, we design IT environments that ensure secure access to client data, seamless collaboration, and full performance regardless of location. We also offer VPNs, encrypted remote desktops, and cloud accounting integrations.

How does Partners Plus improve productivity for accounting firms?

We help boost productivity by implementing fast, reliable technology infrastructure—such as multi-monitor setups, SSD-based workstations, high-speed networking, and automated workflows. Most firms see a 30–40% efficiency gain from our systems optimization and performance-focused upgrades.

Is there a risk-free way to try your services?

Yes! We offer a 90-day satisfaction guarantee to all new CPA clients. If you’re unsatisfied with the level of service, expertise, or performance, you can walk away—no strings attached. We’re confident that you won’t look back once you experience the Partners Plus difference.

Why Trust Partners Plus

Partners Plus, Inc. has been a beacon of innovation and reliability in the managed IT services industry for over three decades. Founded on providing bespoke, cutting-edge technology solutions, Partners Plus empowers businesses to achieve peak operational efficiency and security. Our expertise spans comprehensive IT support, cybersecurity enhancements, cloud computing solutions, and data backup and recovery, all tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.

Our Locations:

• Managed IT Services in Philadelphia: In the city’s heart, our Philadelphia location stands as the cornerstone of our operations, delivering robust IT frameworks and cybersecurity defenses to a diverse clientele.
• Managed IT Services in Malvern: Serving the dynamic businesses in Malvern, our team specializes in custom IT strategies that drive growth, streamline operations, and protect against cyber threats.
• Managed IT Services in Wilmington: Our Wilmington branch focuses on delivering top-tier managed IT services, ensuring businesses operate smoothly with state-of-the-art technology and fortified security measures.
• Managed IT Services in Middletown: The latest addition to our network, the Middletown office, extends our reach, offering comprehensive IT solutions that support businesses in adapting to the digital age, emphasizing innovation and security.

Our Services:

• Customized IT Support: Understanding that each business’s needs are unique, we offer personalized IT support plans to ensure your technology aligns with your business goals.
• Cybersecurity Solutions: With cyber threats evolving daily, our advanced cybersecurity services are designed to protect your business from the latest digital threats, ensuring your data and operations are secure.
• Cloud Computing Services: Leverage the power of the cloud with our cloud computing solutions, facilitating seamless access to data and applications, enhancing collaboration, and optimizing operational efficiency.
• Data Backup and Recovery: Our comprehensive data backup and recovery services protect your critical business data against loss with robust recovery solutions to minimize downtime during a disaster.
• Strategic IT Consulting: Navigate the complex technology landscape with our expert IT consulting services. From strategic planning to implementation, we guide you through every step to ensure your IT investments deliver maximum value.

Choosing Partners Plus for your managed IT services means partnering with a team that understands the nuances of technology and values the trust and collaboration essential to fostering long-term business relationships. Our commitment to excellence, combined with our strategic locations in Philadelphia, Malvern, Wilmington, and Middletown, positions us uniquely to serve businesses with unparalleled IT support and services.

At Partners Plus, we’re not just your IT service provider but your IT partner, dedicated to ensuring your business thrives in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Our holistic approach to managing IT services for all companies empowers you to focus on what you do best—running your business while we handle the rest.

Contact Us Today:

Ready to elevate your IT strategy with a partner that puts your business first? Contact Partners Plus today to discover how our managed IT services can transform your technology into a strategic asset.

source https://www.partnersplus.com/cpa-firm-cybersecurity-assessment-checklist/