Good To Know

No office can operate efficiently without technology.  Mine is no exception.  Some, though, don’t take  precautions to protect data, jeopardizing your sensitive information.  It is my goal to effectively protect you and your valuable information.

Any person using a computer realizes the importance of backing up.  Many, however, neglect this critical step.  I do not.  First, my computer has mirroring hard drives.  The data on one is automatically mirrored (copied) to a second drive.  If the first drive fails, the second will notify me, seamlessly taking over operations, with no  down-time.  Second, my hard drive backs up daily.  Third, I periodically back-up to another external drive.

My wireless network is encrypted and hidden from prying eyes and sticky cyber-fingers.  Virus software automatically updates, along with critical Windows updates.  The integral software and hardware of my office are checked for updates or issues, at least weekly, if not more often.

Client computer files (including tax return data,  QuickBooks and Quicken recordkeeping data) are protected either biometrically or by password.  Biometrically means my fingerprint is required for the file to open.  My passwords are stored in an encrypted password vault, accessed biometrically.

During appointments, all client files are stored away.

Your information, though loosely protected by a civil (not criminal) accountant-client privilege (unlike the broader attorney-client privilege), is confidential.  I don’t disclose or share any nonpublic information about you or your business to anyone, except as permitted by law.  That policy remains in effect even if our relationship is terminated.

Lastly, any of your sensitive information, when no longer needed (which includes drafts containing sensitive information), is destroyed on premises in a cross-cut shredder.

While no system is impenetrable, I try not to leave any doors wide open.

Redundant storage, encryption, data and privacy protection are valued policies.