Cybersecurity isn't just an IT issue, it's a business survival issue. In this fast-paced session, we'll cut through the jargon and get practical about protecting your firm, your clients and your reputation. We'll dig into what §7216 requires when it comes to disclosing and using tax return information, especially when you're sharing data with third-party software, cloud platforms or AI tools. We'll also walk through the tools like VPNs, encryption, MFA and secure file transfer, what they do, when you need them and how to put them in place without an IT degree. You'll leave with a clear, actionable plan to tighten your security and stay on the right side of the regulators.
Objectives
Upon completion of this session, you will be able to:
Recognize the most common cybersecurity threats targeting tax professionals and understand how they create real exposure for your firm
Apply §7216 disclosure and consent requirements to everyday scenarios, including client data sharing, cloud storage and third-party software
Evaluate and use practical security tools like VPNs, encryption, MFA and secure file transfer
Build a compliance-minded security strategy that ties your technology choices back to Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act obligations and IRS data protection standards
