Cybersecurity Incentives – Value Added Versus Fear
An online article in Accounting Today (https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/cybersecurity-and-data-protection-are-about-service-not-fear?utm_campaign=daily-aug%2030%202018&utm_ ) deserves to be circulated beyond the accounting profession. In a talk at the 2018 Illinois CPA Society Summit, Adam Lovingood, head of legal for Xerox Americas, called cybersecurity an opportunity to add value for clients. While data security is necessary to reduce losses from cyber attacks and comply with data protection laws, it should also be adopted as part of client service.
Lovingood recommends companies start by evaluating their own data policies, software and vendors for security. Once their data and systems are secure they should educate their clients on the threat (61% of cyber attacks are against small businesses) and risk mitigation. Recommended security measures – strong passwords, avoiding suspicious emails, two factor authentication and regular software updates – require little or no technical expertise. Improved cybersecurity is good for everyone.