How to Safeguard Client Information

Five areas of information security to cover.

By Penny Breslin
It’s Not Just the Numbers

Your clients trust you with their information; however, in today’s world, where sensitive information can be compromised and distributed, clients want assurance that their information is safe and that you are protecting them from identity theft.

MORE: How to Create Effective Communication Systems | Start Every Engagement with an SLA | Get the Most Out of Your Client Meeting | Why You Need Standard Naming Conventions | How to Develop Internal Procedures | Proper Workflow Demands Consistency | Workflow Tools Can Deepen Client Relationships
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Although certain state laws (check with your state); federal laws such as Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB), which covers individual privacy disclosures; and the AICPA rules of ethics do provide some protection, we recommend that as the trusted business advisor, you should disclose to your clients how you:

Safeguard their information in your office and on your servers
Securely transmit sensitive data
Closely supervise access to authorized parties only

Posted on May 23, 2023

Penny Breslin

About the Author

Penny Breslin is co-author with Damien Greathead of It's Not Just the Numbers, published by CPA Trendlines.

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Co-author Damien Greathead

She is the founder of MoneyPenny, a consulting firm specializing in helping accounting firms and other businesses embrace the power of technology to simplify their operations and increase their profit margins.

Drawing on her years of experience and her knowledge of what it takes to run a successful business, Penny oversees the development of back-office processes for her client firms. From the initial evaluation of the firm’s workflow to technology selection to assisting in the on-boarding of the firm’s clients, Penny works with her clients to maximize the benefits of a paperless and cloud-based firm. Penny has been recognized by Worldwide Who’s Who for showing dedication, leadership, and excellence in providing quality consulting services to an international clientele made up of CPA firms and other businesses.

Penny holds a Master of Business Administration in Global Management and is a member of the Intuit Pro-Advisor Group. She's also a Xero Certified Advisor, a member of the Wave Pro Network, and a FreshBooks consultant. She has also co-authored the book, “CFO Services for the Accounting Firm: How to Start.” A firm believer in being able to work from anywhere, you’ll often find Penny running her business on the beach after a morning surf session. She’s also an avid supporter of Meals on Wheels and Oxfam.

Damien Greathead is Head of Accountant and Advisor Marketing for Intuit Quickbooks, based in Sydney, NSW, Australia. He's passionate about helping accountants and bookkeepers have a lasting impact on their small business clients. He's worked with hundreds of firms around the world to help evolve their business models for great growth and profitability. He speaks to accountants and bookkeepers on cloud technology, service definition and pricing, and marketing. Prior to joining Intuit, he was head of marketing at Practice Ignition and Vice President of Business Development at Receipt Bank, North America (now Dext). He can be reached on Linkedin

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