CPA firms hold the most valuable data identity thieves want: Social Security numbers, tax returns, bank account details, and complete financial histories. We deliver IRS-compliant security that protects client data, hardens tax season infrastructure, and meets WISP requirements — all within firm budgets.
Why accounting and CPA firms struggle with cybersecurity
The IRS now mandates Written Information Security Plans for all tax preparers under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Firms must document data handling procedures, access controls, encryption practices, and incident response plans. Non-compliance risks FTC enforcement action and client data exposure.
January through April puts extreme load on systems, remote access, and file sharing — exactly when attackers increase phishing campaigns impersonating the IRS. Seasonal staff need rapid onboarding with proper access controls. Infrastructure must scale without introducing vulnerabilities.
Tax-season phishing campaigns impersonate the IRS, state tax authorities, and clients requesting W-2s or direct deposit changes. Staff are under time pressure, making them more susceptible. A single clicked link can compromise the entire client database.
Tax-season phishing campaigns impersonate the IRS, state tax authorities, and clients requesting W-2s or direct deposit changes. Staff are under time pressure, making them more susceptible. A single clicked link can compromise the entire client database.
Firms need secure file exchange portals that are both compliant and actually usable for non-technical clients. Many firms still rely on email for sensitive document exchange. Building encrypted, auditable client portals requires proper infrastructure and configuration.
Growing firms with acquired practices often run fragmented IT environments — different email systems, file servers, and security tools across offices. Standardizing and hardening a patchwork environment while maintaining operations requires careful planning and execution.
Build a compliant Written Information Security Plan covering data handling, access controls, encryption, employee training, and incident response — meeting IRS and FTC requirements.
Secure file servers, client portals, remote access systems, and email. Implement proper network segmentation and endpoint protection across all office locations.
Design and deploy encrypted client file exchange portals with proper access controls, audit logging, and multi-factor authentication that clients can actually use.
Prepare infrastructure for seasonal surges — scale remote access securely, onboard temporary staff with proper controls, and strengthen phishing defenses during peak targeting periods.
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of tax professionals targeted by phishing attacks annually
average breach cost in financial services
of CPA firms lack a Written Information Security Plan
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An IRS WISP is a documented security plan required for all tax preparers under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. It must cover employee management and training, information systems management, detection and response to security incidents, and physical security. The IRS provides Publication 4557 as guidance. FTC enforcement can include fines for non-compliance.
Protection requires multi-factor authentication on all email and systems, advanced email filtering and DMARC/DKIM/SPF authentication, staff training on IRS-impersonation and W-2 scams, verification procedures for any requests to change direct deposit or send sensitive data, and security awareness reinforcement before tax season begins.
Accounting firms must comply with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (IRS WISP requirement), state data breach notification laws, AICPA professional standards for data protection, PCI DSS if processing payments, and SOX requirements if auditing publicly-traded companies. Cyber insurance policies and client security questionnaires add additional requirements.
IT consolidation after acquisitions requires a phased approach: inventory all systems and data flows, standardize on a single email and file-sharing platform, implement centralized identity management and MFA, deploy consistent endpoint protection, build a unified network architecture, and establish firm-wide security policies. We help firms plan and execute this transition without disrupting client service.
"Principle Security was instrumental in guiding us through our recent infrastructure and cybersecurity initiatives. Their partnership was reliable, professional, and results‑driven, which is why we continue to engage them whenever new opportunities arise."
IT and Security Director
Industrial and Manufacturing Technology
“Their team helped us prioritize risk without overwhelming us with jargon or checklists. Practical guidance that actually moved the needle.”
Information Security Manager
Community Credit Union
"They stepped in during a critical project and brought stability fast—tight execution, clear communication, and zero babysitting required."
VP of Technology
Mid-Sized SaaS Provider
“With their managed services handling patching, backups, and detection, our internal team finally has room to focus. Reliable, low-noise, and effective.”
Head of IT
Manufacturing Company
“We didn’t need a full-time CISO—we needed experience and flexibility. Their fractional leadership model gave us exactly that.”
COO
Multi-State Healthcare Provider
“Our compliance program was scattered. They brought structure, clarity, and got us aligned with FFIEC and NIST—finally audit-ready and confident.”
VP of Risk & Compliance
Regional Credit Union
“Principle Security helped us redesign our entire security stack without disrupting operations. They understood our infrastructure and delivered clean, scalable solutions.”
CIO
Mid-Market Financial Services Firm
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