2024's Most Shocking Data Breaches and How to Protect Your Business

The 5 Most Dangerous Cybersecurity Mistakes CPA Firms Still Make

If you’re running a CPA firm, you probably don’t want to moonlight as an IT expert. Yet every tax season, we see firms across Sacramento making critical technology missteps that expose client data, stall operations, and threaten compliance.

At Capital Network Solutions (CNS), we specialize in helping firms like yours stay secure, compliant, and operational—especially when it matters most. Here are five of the most costly IT mistakes we see (and how to avoid them).

Mistake #1: Assuming Basic IT Support is “Good Enough”

Many firms settle for low-cost or generic IT providers that treat accounting just like any other business. But CPA software is complex, and your compliance standards (think SOC 2, IRS 4557) demand more than help desk tickets and a firewall.

Fix: CNS is a Microsoft Partner offering SOC 2-compliant managed IT specifically designed for CPA firms, financial advisors, and sensitive-data industries. We speak your software stack: Lacerte, QuickBooks, CCH Axcess—you name it.

Mistake #2: Not Prioritizing Phishing Defense

Phishing is still the #1 attack vector for cybercriminals—and busy tax professionals are prime targets. One rogue email during busy season can launch ransomware or expose PII.

Fix: CNS provides advanced email filtering, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and user awareness training that turns your team into your first line of defense.

Mistake #3: Assuming Backups Are “Set and Forget”

Too many firms think their data is safe because they have a backup. But if it hasn’t been tested, encrypted, or monitored—chances are, it’ll fail when you need it most.

Fix: CNS implements automated, offsite, encrypted backups and runs disaster recovery tests quarterly—so you’re not guessing when disaster strikes.

Mistake #4: Letting Legacy Systems Slow You Down

Outdated software may “still work,” but it often lacks modern security patches and fails to integrate with newer systems—slowing down workflows and increasing your cyber risk.

Fix: We help CPA firms migrate to secure, cloud-based environments that enhance speed, accessibility, and collaboration—while reducing risk and improving uptime.

Mistake #5: Waiting Until It’s Too Late

Most firms call for help after the ransomware hits or the audit flags a compliance gap. But recovery is expensive. Proactive protection is not.

Fix: CNS delivers ongoing monitoring, patch management, and compliance-focused support—so problems are solved before they affect your business.

Have Questions? Call Now and Speak
With a Professional. We Can Help!

Speak With an IT Professional Consultant
Speak With an IT Professional Consultant

Have Questions?
Speak with an Expert!

Why CPA and Financial Firms Trust CNS

  • SOC 2-Compliant Security Framework

  • 90-Second Average Hold Times

  • Accounting Software Experts

  • Flat-Rate IT Services for Predictable Costs

  • Local Support with National Reach

If you’re a Sacramento CPA firm, financial advisor, or mortgage office handling sensitive data—you need more than basic IT. You need a partner who gets your world, speaks your language, and protects your reputation.

Ready to Take IT Off Your Plate?

Let Capital Network Solutions (CNS) show you what it’s like to have proactive, CPA-focused, compliance-ready IT. Schedule your free consultation at:
👉 www.callcns.com