Being proactive with your cybersecurity game

According to the FBI, cybercrime has increased by 300% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more crucial than ever, tax practitioners need to remain vigilant and one step ahead of cybercriminals in the everchanging world of data security.

Listen in to a frank discussion on cybersecurity with April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Lead Manager — AICPA Tax Section and special guest Byron Shinn, CPA, Partner — Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC, on this episode of The Tax Section Odyssey.

What you’ll learn in this episode

• Is a cyberattack a real threat? (0.43)
• What does a data security plan look like (3.15)
• How often should you review a data security plan (8.16)
• Cybersecurity insurance considerations (10.14)
• Attorney recommendations to help in the cybersecurity arena (13.55)
• Real-life examples of CPA firm concerns and data security plan insecurities (16.29)
• The why and how of independently testing network security (16.47)
• Example of encryption hack; ransomware and cryptocurrency (18.51)
• Lack of cyberattack reporting and high-profile cases (20.40)
• Important takeaways for cybersecurity (22.31)
• A page from Byron’s travel journal (24.38)

AICPA resources

• Cybersecurity resources — Access additional resources on our Cybersecurity Resource Center to help organizations and businesses, including CPA firms, assess risks.
• Best Practices for Keeping Client Data Secure — Learn about proactive data security tips for practitioners to implement to keep client data protected from identity theft.
• Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Information Security Plan Template — The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires financial institutions to have a written information security plan. Use this template to document your firm's policies.
• Identity Theft Checklist — Provide this checklist to clients to help them appropriately and efficiently address identity theft issues.
• Letter to Advise Client on Tax-Related Identity Theft — Notify a client of a potential tax-related identity theft and/or outline the steps that can be taken to address the issue.
• Letter to Client to Protect Against Tax-Related Identity Theft — Help clients take steps to secure their personal information and prevent identity theft.
• Tax Identity Theft Toolkit — CPA tax practitioners need to combat tax-related identity theft daily as it has become pervasive globally. Use this toolkit to tackle tax identity theft issues with your clients.

Other resources

• Get An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) — An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
• PTIN Requirements for Tax Return Preparers — Anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns for compensation must have a valid 2022 PTIN before preparing returns.
• Publication 1345, Handbook for Authorized IRS e-file Providers of Individual Income Tax Returns – This guide addresses the rules and requirements for participation in IRS e-file by authorized IRS e-file providers filing individual income tax returns and related forms and schedules.
• Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data — This guide seeks to help tax professionals to understand basic security steps and how to take them as well as recognize the signs of data theft, how to report data theft and understand and comply with the FTC Safeguards Rule.
• Tax Preparer Tips for Hiring a Cybersecurity Professional — The IRS provides tips for tax preparers to consider when evaluating and selecting a cybersecurity professional.
• Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), IRS Impersonation Scam — Fill out this online form to report an IRS impersonation scam. Note that a taxpayer may also call (800) 366-4484 to report the scam.
• What to Do After a Tax Professional Data Compromise — This IRS video gives steps tax professionals should take if they are the victim of a data compromise.
• Why Tax Professionals Need a Security Plan — In this IRS video, learn the importance of tax professionals establishing data security plan.

Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices.

This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you’re not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You’ll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.