Data Security in Online Bookkeeping Services
Accounting Security Tips

Are you not able to outsource bookkeeping and accounting in this Tech-savvy world?

Outsourcing has been trending for the past 3 decades and has become the most important part of business management globally.  According to Fortunely.com, around 54% of companies prefer to outsource and spent $75.2 billion last year globally. 

Outsourcing bookkeeping and accounting tasks allow business founders to focus on their core businesses. They don’t have to spend time sorting through confusing financial records or tracking down lost bills.

Instead, these tasks can be handled by a professional bookkeeping firm or accountant. Furthermore, outsourcing these tasks can save business owners a lot of money.

Bookkeepers and accountants typically charge by the hour or by the number of transactions processed. By outsourcing these tasks, business owners can cut down their costs substantially.

Moreover, outsourcing bookkeeping and accounting can help build trust between business founders and their advisors. When all critical financial data is maintained by a third party, there’s less chance of misunderstandings or conflict.

In this article, we are going to learn about why is accounting security important for the safety of your business and tips for accounting security to keep your firm secure.

– According to Precedence Research, the estimated market size of outsourcing will reach $374.3.

This article covers:

  • Why is accounting security important?
  • Types of cybersecurity threats
  • Accounting security tips to keep your firm secure

Why is Accounting Security Important?

Importance of accounting security

Importance of accounting security

Accounting is an important function in any organization, and ensuring its security is essential. Not only does accounting help keep track of financial transactions and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, but it can also be used to steal sensitive information.

To protect your organization's accounting data and systems from theft, it's important to have a strong accounting security strategy.

One of the most common ways that thieves gain access to sensitive information is by exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems. By attacking vulnerable systems, hackers can often gain access to user accounts, passwords, and other confidential information.

Accounting systems are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks because they contain a great deal of personal data (such as customer contact information) that could be valuable to thieves.

So, to protect your business information, it is important to follow some accounting tips. If you are looking to outsource bookkeeping and accounting, IBN Tech is known for providing the best services and it ensures the security of its clients.

Key takeaways:

To protect your organization's accounting data from unauthorized access, it's important to implement a comprehensive accounting security strategy.

You can implement robust security measures on your computer systems, protect user accounts and passwords, and install appropriate accounting software security updates.

Accounting is an essential part of any business, and keeping your data safe and secure is crucial. Accounting security protects your financial information by ensuring it is always accessible and secure.

There are a number of  hedge fund service providers that specialize in providing services to hedge funds. These service providers include investment banks, accounting firms, law firms and fund administrators

Types of Cybersecurity Threats

Cybersecurity threats come in many shapes and sizes and can target any device or system. Some of the most common types of cybersecurity threats include:

1.Malware:

This is a type of software that can disable your computers. Some common forms of malware include viruses, worms, and Trojans. It can infect a device and steal data or cause other damage.

2.Hacker attacks:

Hackers can break into a system or network to access sensitive information, either for personal gain or disrupt operations.

3.Data breaches:

When unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive data, they can use it to exploit other systems or attack other users.

4.Scams:

Fraudsters may try to trick users into revealing personal information, subscribing to fraudulent services, or providing them with counterfeit products.

5.DDoS Attacks:

A DDoS attack is a type of attack that involves flooding a website with traffic until it crashes or becomes unavailable to users. This type of attack can be very damaging for businesses and can result in lost revenue and customers. Businesses can protect themselves from DDoS attacks by using firewalls and other security measures.

6.ransomware:

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that locks users out of their computer or data until a ransom payment is made. The best way to protect against ransomware attacks is to ensure that your computer’s security software is up-to-date and always run scans regularly

To keep your devices and systems safe from these types of threats, be aware of the signs that you’re being targeted and take appropriate steps to protect yourself.

15 Accounting Security Tips to Keep Your Firm Secure

Accounting security tips

Accounting security tips for the smooth running of your business

The accounting profession requires a great deal of trust. After all, clients are entrusting their finances to you and your team for you to manage properly. It is therefore important that you do everything possible to keep your firm secure from potential threats.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your data is safe and secure and that you can continue to operate your business with confidence.

1. Password manager:

A password manager will help you to store and share your username and password with your team. It has various other features such as whitelisting IP addresses, which means no one can access the password if they are not within the IP address. Moreover, it also has other features such as geo-locking and time-locking. Geo-locking ensures that no one can access the passwords outside the geographical location and time-locking ensures that no one can access the password during odd times.

2. Use complex passwords:

It is suggested that you should use complex passwords which include at least 12 characters and have a mix of letters, cases, symbols, and numbers. However, a password manager will also help you to create strong and complex passwords.

3. VPN in public Wi-Fi areas:

Public places such as coffee shops, restaurants, airports, etc have less secured Wi-Fi networks, which makes them susceptible to some cybersecurity attacks and can access your confidential data such as bank accounts, passwords, social security numbers, etc. so, you should always use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in public areas to protect your data.

4. Backup your files:

Accounting firms put hours together to create spreadsheets and save a lot of valuable information that is personal and confidential for your business. Make sure to back up this valuable data daily and keep it up to date to save your business. Some applications help you to retrieve and restore your valuable information any time you want to.

5. Backup your cloud accounting data:

Cloud accounting technology is widely used by businesses such as Xero & Quickbooks online. Back up your valuable data at least per month, also you can opt for keeping your data as a hardcopy for extra safety. You can use applications such as Google Drive to automatically back up your data.

6. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

Multi-Factor Authentication makes it difficult for hackers to access your account, even if they find your passwords. When you log in, you receive a 6-digit code from Authenticator like Google and this code is valid or accepted only from the device in your possession. Hence, it is important to enable multi-factor authentication.

7. Buy dedicated work computers for home:

You will always keep a separate computer for personal use and work usage. When you use it for personal use, you are more likely to surf on less secure websites that can multiply the probability of cyber attacks. Also, be careful when downloading files from the internet, and only open attachments from trusted sources.

8. Install Malware Scanners:

Malware is a threat to your business. So, it is advised to install malware scanner software to restrict these risks occurring in your system.

9. Install a good security system:

A good security system will include measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and antivirus software. Make sure that all devices connected to the network are protected, including laptops and desktop computers.

10. Educate your employees about cybersecurity:

Make sure everyone in your firm is aware of the dangers of cyberattacks and knows how to protect themselves from them. Encourage employees to report any suspicious activity or behavior they see online or off-site so that it can be appropriately investigated.

11. Beware of Phishing Scams:

Phishing scams are emails or websites designed to steal your personal information. Be very careful about clicking on links or providing confidential information via email, especially if the sender is not someone you know personally.

12. Stay Alert:

The best way to stay secure is to always be aware of potential threats and take precautions accordingly. Remain vigilant when working online and avoid opening suspicious emails or downloading unknown attachments.

13. Restrict Access to Sensitive Data:

Only allow employees who need access to sensitive data to view it. This will help prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to sensitive information that could harm the company.

14. Regularly Update Your Software:

Make sure you regularly update all of your software, including firewalls, antivirus programs, and operating systems. By doing so, you ensure that your devices are protected against the latest threats.

15. Watch Out For Identity Theft:

Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it fraudulently. To protect yourself from identity theft, be sure never to share your social security number or credit card details with anyone other than those who need it for transaction purposes.

 

Conclusion

To conclude, outsourcing firms like IBN Technologies make sure that your data is safe as they store data either in the cloud or filing cabinets. Also, following these tips will help you secure your business’s valuable information, protect your client’s data, and protect business assets and your reputation.