Top 5 Ways Oklahoma CPAs Can Secure Their PCs

Top 5 Ways Oklahoma CPAs Can Secure Their PCs

Top-5-Ways-Oklahoma-CPAs-Can-Secure-Their-PCsPrivacy protection and data security are critical business concerns for Oklahoma CPAs. They have a professional obligation to keep client information safe by competently assessing and managing tech-oriented security risks.

As recent headlines have proven, a security breach can destroy client trust, trigger high costs, and even ruin smaller firms.

In today’s world, where technology advances at a rapid pace, protecting PCs and mobile devices from sophisticated cyber-criminals can be a daunting challenge. Below is a list of five ways that CPAs in Oklahoma can secure their personal computers against data theft or loss.

1.  Keep Antivirus Software Up To Date

Computers can be infected without the user’s knowledge, so no system should ever be without antivirus software. If it detects the presence of malicious code, such as a worm or virus, the software will remove it or neutralize the threat.

Most antivirus solutions on the market today can be configured to update automatically, eliminating the need for the CPA to remember to do it manually.

2.  Keep Anti-Spyware Current

Once inadvertently installed on a PC, spyware permits remote attackers to monitor user activities. Some versions illegally collect information about the PC owner and transmit it to cyber-criminals, allowing them to collect and use passwords, banking information, and more.

Some PC operating systems have built-in spyware protection, but given the sensitivity of the data that CPAs handle, an industry-approved software should be used. Anti-spyware should only be downloaded from a trusted source. Otherwise, there’s a chance these programs could be malicious code in disguise.

3.  Keep Firewalls Turned On

Firewalls protect a PC from unauthorized access by hackers and cyber-thieves who are intent on stealing or destroying confidential and critical data. For a single computer, industry-quality software firewalls are sufficient, but multiple networked computers are better off using hardware routers. To ensure constant protection, firewalls must be kept on whenever the computer is online and in use.

4.  Keep Operating Systems Current

Computer operating systems periodically have updates available to plug security holes and keep them compatible with new and changing technology needs. Installing recommended updates helps keep PC protection valid.

5.  Download Only From Approved Sources

CPAs who indiscriminately download email attachments can defeat the purpose of implementing a security system. Unexpected or suspicious files should never be automatically opened. Even forwarded attachments from trusted sources should be scanned first, as the person may have unknowingly sent an infected file.

Bottom Line

By understanding the scope and nature of cyber-threats and fortifying their PCs against these risks, CPAs in Oklahoma will be able to serve clients according to the high standards of confidentiality and security that the financial services industry requires.

 

How do CPAs in your firm secure their PCs against malware, hackers, and other cyberspace threats? Let us know 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.