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Industries • Financial Services

FTC Safeguards & Cybersecurity for Tax Professionals

If you operate a tax firm, the FTC Safeguards Rule isn’t optional. Your firm is required to implement and document a written information security program. We design, implement, and maintain those programs so you can operate with confidence.

Built specifically for IRS‑regulated firms.

You’re responsible for more than just tax returns

Tax firms are custodians of highly sensitive client data—SSNs, financial records, banking information, and identity documentation. Under the FTC Safeguards Rule, you’re required to protect that data through a documented and maintained security program.

Required documentation

  • Written Information Security Plan (WISP)
  • Ongoing risk assessments
  • Vendor due diligence & oversight
  • Incident response planning

Required controls

  • Multi‑factor authentication (MFA) for all users
  • Secure handling of client PII
  • Documented security awareness training
  • Regular review & updates to safeguards
If any of these areas are unclear or undocumented, your compliance posture is exposed.

WISP development that reflects how your firm actually operates

A WISP shouldn’t be a generic template. It should reflect how your firm stores, transmits, and protects client data—including remote staff, tax software, document portals, and third‑party vendors.

We build and maintain WISPs that are:

  • Aligned with your workflows
  • Supported by implemented technical controls
  • Updated as your firm evolves
  • Structured to withstand regulatory scrutiny

Your documentation and your implementation should match. We make sure they do.

Compliance gaps create real exposure

Most enforcement actions don’t start with a catastrophic breach. They start with missing documentation, inconsistent controls, or safeguards that were never formally implemented.

Regulatory risk

FTC scrutiny, enforcement actions, and required remediation programs.

Financial impact

Liability exposure, operational disruption, and potential insurance issues when controls aren’t documented.

Client trust

Data incidents erode confidence quickly—especially when safeguards were avoidable.

Compliance isn’t about fear. It’s about preparedness.

A Structured, Practical Approach.

We build a program—not just install a tool. Our work is designed to be practical for solo firms and small teams, and mature enough for organizations with compliance oversight.

1

Assess

We evaluate safeguards, documentation, MFA, email security, and vendor controls.

2

Implement

We formalize the controls required under the Safeguards Rule—technical and procedural.

3

Maintain

We support annual risk reviews, documentation updates, staff training, and ongoing improvement.

Aligned to Industry Standards and Regulatory Obligations

Operate with confidence — before you're ever asked.

We design programs that align with the expectations that govern your industry — and help you demonstrate it.

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Aligned to Industry Standards and Regulatory Obligations

  • IRS Publication 4557
  • FTC Safeguards Rule
  • GLBA Safeguards Rule
  • WISP (Written Information Security Program)
  • MFA & email security best practices

These references are provided for general educational purposes and reflect common industry guidance. They are not legal advice. We help you operationalize security controls and documentation aligned to your obligations; your counsel and regulators are the source of authoritative requirements.