CYBERSECURITY REALITY CHECK FOR CPAs
A practical cybersecurity review for solo and small CPA firms — no jargon, no software sales, just clarity.
The Problem
You didn’t go into public accounting to become an IT or cybersecurity expert. Yet today, you’re still expected to know whether your firm’s client data is adequately protected, whether your technology would withstand a ransomware incident, and whether your setup would hold up under scrutiny from clients, insurers, or regulators.
Most solo and small CPA firms handle this by assuming their software vendors “have it covered,” or by quietly worrying that something important is being missed. Unfortunately, hope isn’t a control—and uncertainty isn’t a strategy.
What the Cybersecurity Reality Check Is
This is a focused, practical review of your firm’s cybersecurity posture—designed specifically for solo CPAs and small practices.
No enterprise frameworks.
No jargon-heavy reports.
No software sales.
Just a clear understanding of where you stand, where you’re exposed, and what to do next.
How It Works
Step 1: Cybersecurity Questionnaire
You’ll complete a brief, CPA-focused questionnaire covering user access, devices, email, cloud applications, data handling, and backups. It takes about 10 minutes. No trick questions.
Step 2: 45-Minute Consultation
We’ll meet for 45 minutes via Zoom to review your responses together. I’ll ask clarifying questions, explain what the risks actually mean in practical terms, and help identify your most significant exposures.
Step 3: Your Cybersecurity Snapshot
Within a few days, you’ll receive a written report with clear red/yellow/green ratings across key risk areas, plus a prioritized, actionable list of what to address first—and how.
Step 4: Follow-Up Support
You’ll have 30 days of email access to ask questions as you work through the recommendations.
What You’ll Walk Away With
A clear understanding of whether your firm’s systems are reasonably protected—or exactly where they’re not
Insight into your single biggest cybersecurity risk (every firm has one)
A prioritized action plan you can implement yourself or hand to an IT provider
Documentation showing you’ve taken reasonable steps to assess and manage cybersecurity risk
Peace of mind that comes from actually knowing where you stand
Who This Is For
The Cybersecurity Reality Check for CPAs is designed for firms that:
Are solo practitioners or small practices (typically 1–10 staff)
Rely heavily on cloud software, email, and remote access
Handle sensitive client financial and tax data
Know cybersecurity matters but don’t want vendor hype or unnecessary tools
Want expert guidance without being locked into ongoing contracts
Investment
$299
SCACPA Member Rate: $210
This includes the cybersecurity questionnaire, 45-minute consultation, written Cybersecurity Snapshot report, and 30 days of follow-up email support. Payment is collected when scheduling the consultation.
About Your Advisor
I’m Elliott Friedman, a technology and cybersecurity expert with over two decades of experience supporting professional service firms, including accounting, legal, financial advisory, and healthcare practices.
I work specifically with solo and small firms that need practical, defensible cybersecurity—not enterprise complexity. I don’t sell software, and I don’t push long-term contracts. My role is to help you understand your risk, make informed decisions, and move forward with confidence.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule your Cybersecurity Reality Check today. You'll receive a link to the security questionnaire in your confirmation email immediately after booking, and we'll meet at the day and time you selected to review your results together. Click the button below to pick your day and time and submit payment to secure the consultation.
Not ready to pay and book now? Let’s have a brief call to discuss further.
Common Questions
I’m not very technical. Will I understand this?
Yes. Everything is explained in plain English. You don’t need to understand cybersecurity jargon to benefit from this review. The goal is clarity—not complexity.
Is this a full compliance or cybersecurity audit?
No. This is a focused cybersecurity and technology risk review, not a formal audit or attestation. It’s designed to address the areas where solo and small CPA firms are most commonly exposed—without the cost or burden of an enterprise audit.
If a deeper review is warranted, you’ll be told that directly.
What if the assessment reveals serious gaps?
Then you’ll know about them before they become a problem. Most gaps uncovered in small CPA firms are fixable without major disruption or expense. Your Cybersecurity Snapshot will prioritize what matters most and outline clear, practical next steps.
Optional implementation support is available if you’d like help addressing the findings—but there’s no obligation.
Can this help with cyber insurance, client questions, or peer review?
The report documents that you’ve conducted a structured cybersecurity review and taken reasonable steps to assess and manage risk. While it’s not a certification, it provides evidence of due diligence that can be helpful in conversations with insurers, clients, or peer reviewers.
What if I just started my firm?
That’s an ideal time to do this. It’s far easier to build good cybersecurity habits early than to fix problems later. The Reality Check helps ensure your firm is set up correctly from day one.
Am I going to be sold software or ongoing services?
No. This engagement is advisory, not a sales pitch. I don’t sell software and there are no ongoing contracts. If your assessment identifies areas that need improvement, you’ll receive clear guidance—and you decide how to proceed.