You don’t need to be a Fortune 500 giant to end up on a hacker’s radar. In fact, small businesses—including accounting firms—are now the prime targets. Why? Because they’re easier to get into, and more likely to pay a ransom just to get back to work.
And while a major corporation might be able to absorb the hit, most CPA firms can’t.
According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach report, the average breach now costs $4.88 million. That figure isn’t just the ransom—it includes downtime during your busiest season, the clients you lose, the legal bills, and the tarnished reputation you may never fully repair.
Sobering? Absolutely. But here’s the good news—there’s a way to spot and stop trouble before it becomes a crisis.
Meet the Digital Bodyguard: EDR
Endpoint Detection and Response—EDR for short—doesn’t just block known threats like traditional antivirus software. Think of it as a security guard who never takes a coffee break.
It monitors everything happening on your firm’s devices—logins, file changes, strange behaviors—and the moment something suspicious happens, it can lock it down.
That means if ransomware starts spreading, or someone logs in from halfway across the world at 2 a.m., EDR doesn’t just send an alert—it stops the attack in its tracks.
Why CPA Firms Need This Now
Cybercriminals have evolved. They’re no longer battering down the door—they’re walking in with stolen credentials. They hide malicious code inside everyday documents. They wait patiently for one small mistake.
EDR catches these stealthy moves that old-school antivirus simply misses. And in an industry where IRS Pub. 4557, FTC Safeguards Rule, and Massachusetts 201 CMR 17.00 demand airtight security, “good enough” protection isn’t good enough anymore.
It’s Not Just Smart—It’s Becoming Mandatory
Here’s a curveball: more cyber insurance providers now require advanced tools like EDR. Skip it, and you might find your claim denied after a breach—just like filing a fire claim without having a smoke detector.
Is Your Firm Protected?
If you’re not 100% sure, you can’t afford to guess. We can assess your current defenses, close the gaps, and ensure your tech stack keeps you compliant, insurable, and operational—especially when deadlines loom.
Because in the world of modern cybercrime, “better safe than sorry” isn’t just a saying—it’s a survival strategy.
Let’s make sure your firm isn’t an easy target. Schedule a free discovery call today. No tech jargon. No scare tactics. Just a clear picture of where you stand—and how to lock your doors before someone else walks in.
