FTC Safeguards Rule: Compliance for Accountants

Essential steps for accountants and bookkeepers

Data security has become a top priority for individuals and businesses alike. As accountants and bookkeepers handle sensitive financial information, it is imperative that they adhere to regulatory requirements to protect their clients’ data. One such regulation that accountants need to be well-versed in is the FTC Safeguards Rule. 

To shed light on this crucial topic, we are excited to announce an upcoming webinar featuring Sam Schuemacher and Mandy Sullivan, two go-to experts on the emerging regulatory changes. Join them as they delve into the intricacies of the FTC Safeguards Rule and provide essential guidance on compliance for accountants and bookkeepers.

What is the FTC Safeguards Rule

The FTC Safeguards Rule, implemented by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is designed to safeguard consumers’ personal information held by financial institutions. While the rule primarily focuses on banks and other financial institutions, it also applies to professionals like accountants who handle sensitive client data.

Understanding the 8 Requirements

During the webinar, Sam and Mandy will break down the eight requirements outlined by the FTC Safeguards Rule. These requirements serve as a roadmap for accountants and bookkeepers to establish and maintain a comprehensive data security program. Some of the key areas they will cover include:

1. Designating a qualified individual: Learn about the importance of appointing someone in the firm, or an outside provider, to overseeing the firm’s information security program.
2. Conducting a Risk Assessment: Discover how to identify potential vulnerabilities within your organization and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.
3. Design and implement safeguards: Learn the key technology controls, user access controls and data destruction policies your organization should be considering as a part of your security program.
4. Monitor your safeguards: Hear how putting continuous monitoring and remediation tools in place can save you from quarterly penetration test headaches
5. Training Staff: Explore effective methods to stop 90% of attacks by educating employees on data security best practices and fostering a culture of awareness within your organization.
6. Develop an incident response plan: Learn the specific goals of a good incident response plan
7. Overseeing Service Providers: Gain insights into the steps you should take when utilizing third-party vendors or cloud service providers to ensure they meet data security requirements. 
8. Keep your information security program current: Staying agile and flexible in your program means being able to quickly adapt to emerging threats. You’ll learn that keeping your Written Information Security Plan (WISP) up to date is one of the requirements in staying compliant.

By participating in this webinar, accountants and bookkeepers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the FTC Safeguards Rule and its implications for their professional practice. The knowledge and guidance provided by Sam and Mandy will empower attendees to implement robust data security measures, ultimately protecting their clients’ confidential information and maintaining trust in their services.

Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity to enhance your understanding of the FTC Safeguards Rule and ensure compliance as an accountant or bookkeeper. Join us on August 30^th at 1 PM CST for an engaging and informative session with Sam and Mandy.

Watch the webinar on demand now.