5 Mobile Device Security Tips for OKC Accountants

5 Mobile Device Security Tips for OKC Accountants

5-Mobile-Device-Security-Tips-for-OKC-AccountantsIn this era of mobile devices being used interchangeably with laptops, accounting firms in Oklahoma City, and across America are faced with dilemmas of taking a hard line on mobile device security, or entrusting firm employees to be responsible for safeguarding client data.

Leveraging these “Five W’s” of secure mobile client data access, will set your firm in good stead as far as protecting your clients’ private data, and ensure your reputation remains unscathed by the perils of data loss.

 

Who Should Be Using Mobile Devices to Access Client Data?

If you are a CPA assigned to a particular client, and meet with them in a location with secured Wi-Fi protocols, you may have justification to access a client’s information on an iPhone, Android tablet, or Ultrabook.

Ideally, you will be with the client when you access their information, and you will have a compelling reason to access their financials. You might be finalizing their tax return at their office, preparing for an audit in their home office, or collaborating in a virtual office facility.

What Data Should CPAs Access on a Tablet or Smartphone?

Most commercial off-the-shelf applications have a complementary app in the Google Play or iTunes App Stores. These apps are a more secure way to access documents, client records, or financial data than with a mobile browser.

If you have any concern about the security posture of the environment you are working in, use a Wireless Virtual Private Network application in place to provide an added level of security. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This holds true for mobile device security as well.

When Should Accounting Professionals Wirelessly Access Client Files?

The only truly acceptable scenarios which merit wireless access in potentially insecure areas may include (and only with a Wireless VPN app, and using Mobile endpoint security applications):

  • Assisting a client to provide evidence to avoid criminal prosecution
  • Sourcing of documents to mitigate regulatory fines
  • Accessing data to avoid litigation from their respective clients

We live in a fast paced world which often encourages accounting professionals to take on needless risk for the sake of expediency. Waiting for access to your corporate network in most cases is the advisable course of action.

Where Should You Access Client Files without a Wired Connection?

If you are in a train station, or waiting for an appointment with another client (especially one which poses potential conflicts of interest), scenarios such as these are not advisable for accessing client data on your iPhone or Android device. Wait until you are safe within the confines of your office or home office on your secure Wi-Fi environment. In most cases, a mobile accounting app is your most secure experience.

Why is it Risky for Accounting Professional Access Financial Data on Public Wi-Fi?

If you don’t have to access data wirelessly, it’s a safe bet you shouldn’t. Each time you tap into your client data outside a trusted network, you are putting your firm and your client at risk.

Ensure every wireless endpoint is outfitted to gain access to your accounting applications with a standardized security arsenal of encryption, anti-virus, anti-malware, and software which can “brick” your device should it get stolen. Often this can be executed with an SMS text message or other message format.

Bottom Line

Too often, accounting firm employees are not taking the proper precautions when accessing client data remotely. Mobile device security policies and procedures must be put in place and followed in your Oklahoma CPA firm in order to make certain your client’s confidential data is protected.

 

Does your OKC accounting firm have any additional mobile device security tips? Please share your thoughts in the Comments box below.

 

And to follow up on the tips introduced in this article, be sure to download your free Information Technology Guide for Oklahoma City CPAs.

 

 


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