As technology becomes more integrated into every aspect of business, CPAs and insurance professionals are increasingly at risk of cyberattacks. You manage some of the most sensitive data — financial records, Social Security numbers, tax filings, insurance claims, and personally identifiable information (PII).
For accounting firms and insurance agencies in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, staying compliant and secure isn’t just a best practice — it’s the law. Between WISP (Written Information Security Program) requirements, industry regulations, and growing cyber threats, protecting your data has never been more critical.
At A.N.S. Networking, we help businesses like yours navigate the complex world of IT security, compliance, and proactive protection. Here’s what every CPA and insurance agency should know.
Essential Cybersecurity and Compliance Insights for CPAs and Insurance Agents
1. WISP Compliance: The Foundation of Data Protection
Both Massachusetts and New Hampshire require certain businesses to maintain a Written Information Security Program (WISP). This is a formal plan that outlines how your company collects, stores, protects, and disposes of sensitive data.
For CPAs and insurance agents, this means documenting:
- How client data is encrypted and stored
- Who has access to sensitive information
- How passwords and authentication are managed
- What happens in the event of a breach
A WISP isn’t just paperwork — it’s your blueprint for cybersecurity. At A.N.S. Networking, we help firms develop and maintain compliant WISPs that align with state and federal regulations, reducing your liability and protecting your reputation.
2. Phishing: The #1 Threat Facing Financial Professionals
Phishing remains the leading cause of data breaches among small to mid-sized businesses. Hackers target CPAs and insurance agents specifically because your communications often include attachments, client records, and links — making it easy for a malicious email to slip through.
Common tactics include:
- Emails pretending to be from the IRS, carriers, or clients
- Fake DocuSign or QuickBooks requests
- “Urgent” requests for payment or account verification
Solutions:
- Employee awareness training — your first line of defense
- AI-powered spam filtering and real-time link scanning
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure email logins
At A.N.S. Networking, we deploy advanced phishing defense tools and user training programs to help your team recognize and block threats before they cause damage.
3. Data Encryption and Secure Backup
With ransomware on the rise across the Northeast, encryption and reliable backup systems are non-negotiable. CPAs and insurance firms must ensure that all client data — in transit and at rest — is encrypted and backed up both locally and in the cloud.
Our MSP services include:
- Automated daily backups with offsite storage
- Encrypted file transfer systems for secure client communication
- Rapid data recovery in case of accidental loss or attack
These safeguards not only support compliance but ensure business continuity when every minute counts — especially during tax season or claim processing.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Beyond WISP
In addition to state WISP requirements, many financial and insurance organizations are subject to:
- FTC Safeguards Rule
- IRS Publication 4557 (Safeguarding Taxpayer Data)
- Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) for financial institutions
Compliance with these standards means demonstrating ongoing risk assessment, incident response planning, and access control policies — all areas A.N.S. Networking actively supports through managed IT and cybersecurity services.
5. Endpoint and Cloud Security for Remote Work
The post-pandemic world changed how CPAs and insurance agents work. Many now operate from home offices or rely on cloud-based tools for client access and document management.
While convenient, this introduces new vulnerabilities. Laptops, mobile devices, and unsecured Wi-Fi can all become entry points for attackers.
A.N.S. Networking helps clients implement:
- Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) solutions
- Secure VPN access
- Cloud management optimized for both security and performance
AI-driven monitoring that detects unusual access patterns before breaches occur
6. The Local Cyber Threat Landscape: New England Edition
Cybercrime isn’t a distant problem — it’s here in our backyard. Small and mid-sized firms across New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and Northern Massachusetts are frequent targets precisely because hackers know many rely on basic antivirus or outdated systems.
Our local presence in Dover, NH and Portland, ME means we can respond quickly to threats, conduct on-site assessments, and help you stay compliant with regional data laws.
We know the local business landscape — and that helps us design MSP solutions that fit your specific risks and workflows.
7. Building a Culture of Cyber Awareness
Even the best technology can’t protect against human error. That’s why we help clients build a cyber-aware workplace, combining technology with education.
Our managed clients benefit from:
- Ongoing phishing simulations
- Security best-practice workshops
- Quarterly system audits and compliance check-ins
When your entire team becomes part of the defense strategy, your organization becomes far less vulnerable.
Protect Your Firm & Your Clients, with Confidence: Contact ANS Networking Today!
Whether you’re reviewing financial statements or finalizing a client’s policy, your systems must be reliable, compliant, and secure. At A.N.S. Networking, we specialize in delivering managed IT and cybersecurity services tailored to CPAs and insurance professionals throughout New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and Northern Massachusetts.
From WISP development to cloud security, phishing prevention, and data protection, we’re here to help your firm stay protected, so you can focus on your clients, not cyber threats.
