Tax season is here. You’re thinking about your taxes. Hackers? They’re thinking about your accountant.
A letter arrives from your accounting firm. Is it your tax return? No. The envelope is too small for that. Instead, it’s a breach notification—your accountant was hacked seven months ago.
Think about it: your accounting firm has everything a hacker wants. Name. Address. Birthdate. Social Security number. Health insurance policy details. Banking info. Investment records. Retirement accounts. Everything a criminal needs to steal your identity, drain your accounts, or hold your data for ransom.
And it gets worse.
Hackers aren’t just stealing data from accounting firms. They’re using them as bait. Imagine this: you get an email from your accountant. “Your taxes are ready! Please sign here.” You click. You enter your credentials.
Congratulations—you just handed control of your computer to a cybercriminal.
So how do you make sure this doesn’t happen to you? Start with the basics.
Does your accountant require multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access your files? No? Buyer beware—you’re likely dealing with a firm that isn’t keeping your data secure. Does your accountant follow the FTC Safeguards Rule? Do they carry cyber liability insurance? If they don’t know what you’re talking about, that’s a red flag.
And if you own or work for an accounting firm, you’re in the hot seat. Hackers will get in. And when they do, your firm could be named in a class-action lawsuit.
It’s already happening:
- Accounting firm hit with class action over data breach affecting 1M+ PEOPLE
- Mass. Accounting Firm Hit With Data Breach Class Claims
- Louisiana accounting firm breach affects 127,000 customers
Still think you’re too busy with tax returns to worry about security? Imagine having to shut down e-filing because the IRS locks you out. Imagine explaining to thousands of clients why their data was stolen on your watch. Imagine the legal fees. The reputational damage. The clients who will never trust you again.
You must act before it’s too late.
Get a third-party cybersecurity assessment—now. Look at those breached firms. They had IT teams. They thought they were secure. And now? They’re in court, fighting for their businesses.
The reality: 1 in 5 ransomware events ends in a lawsuit.
The question is—do you have the evidence to defend yourself?
If you don’t, start today. Before your firm’s name ends up in the headlines.