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Instructor
Randolph P. (Randy) Johnston, MCS, has been a leading authentic and genuine authority in technology for over 40 years. Inducted into the
Accounting Hall of Fame in 2011, he has remained a Top 25 Thought Leader in Accounting from 2011 through 2024. His continued influence in the profession is highlighted by his recognition in the 2024 Accounting Today Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting—his twenty-first consecutive year on that list. In addition, Randy authors a monthly column and hosts a weekly podcast for The CPA Practice Advisor, contributes to the Journal of Accountancy, writes for various accounting and technology publications, and has published numerous books.
He has founded and still owns multiple ventures, including K2 Enterprises in Hammond, Louisiana, and Network Management Group, Inc. (NMGI) in Hutchinson, Kansas. For four decades, NMGI has provided services to CPA firms and has been the largest managed service provider for the CPA profession in North America. Randy’s wife, four children, and seven grandchildren share his passions for theatre, music, travel, golf, skiing, snorkeling, and model trains. His background as a college instructor, management and technology consultant, and advisor to the accounting community informs today’s presentation.
Instructor
Instructor
Instructor
The FTC Safeguards Rule moved into the “penalty phase on” June 9, 2023. Under the Rule tax preparers, and firms providing services of a financial nature to clients, must implement security plans to protect client data. Failure to do so may result in an FTC investigation including possible stiff penalties.
Combatting today’s cybercriminals takes knowledge, good technology, and training for staff, because data thefts at tax professionals’ offices are on the rise. The requirements are outlined in various publications, including IRS Publication 4557. Any professional who holds a PTIN falls under the Pub 4557 requirements.The best way for firms to demonstrate compliance with both IRS Pub 4557 and the FTC Safeguards Rule is with a Written Information Security Plan (WISP).
In this 120-minute self-paced Master Class, participants receive expert-led instruction plus over 20 downloadable and editable templates, policies, and guidelines designed to help them quickly create and roll out their WISP.
● List examples of basic security steps and how to take them
● Identify the signs of data theft and how to report data theft
● Discover the key steps firms need to take to complete and roll out their WISP
● Leverage templates, policies and guidelines to actually complete the firm’s WISP
● Learn about the required security and privacy standards under both IRS and FTC Regulations
● Understand exactly how firms need to protect client data
● Explore the key roles that staff and clients play in keeping data safe
● Discover security “holes” present in most firms - and learn how to patch them
Basic knowledge of tax return preparation processes and cybersecurity issues
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Any accountant who processes tax returns, or, who has over 5K consumer PII accessible through their systems or records (regardless of whether they are active consumers or not) must comply with the FTC Safeguards Rule (and if you do tax you also have the IRS Pub 4557 requirements)