Summer cybersecurity for accounting firms: 5 Steps to a peaceful summer and a secure fall !

Everywhere and across nearly all industries, summer is usually associated with slower activity, peace of mind, and a return to priorities. Many organizations even take advantage of this seasonal slowdown to review their strategies and work on forecasts and risk prevention. What if summer was the perfect time for a real digital clean-up ?

In a context where cyberattacks are on the rise, strengthening data security is now a necessity especially when it comes to accounting data. Note that cyberattacks don’t exclude SMEs; in fact, they often exploit their vulnerabilities.

The summer period, being generally calmer, is the ideal time to update your cybersecurity practices and start fresh before the next tax season. Here are 5 key steps to secure your accounting processes and sleep soundly.
 

1. Review user access : Your first line of defense

We rarely think of removing access for people who have left the team, yet these active accounts often become entry points for intrusions. It’s important to:

• Delete inactive accounts or temporarily disable them if needed.
• Check the roles and permission levels assigned to each team member. Not everyone needs access to everything.
• Reset shared credentials, which are often the cause of errors or data leaks.

Best practice: Never share the same login credentials among several users. Dimpo meets this security requirement by offering free individual licenses to each team member. Everyone gets their own login, and the administrator can manage access in real time, assign files based on responsibilities, and instantly deactivate any account when a contract ends or someone leaves. This is crucial during tax season when teams are temporarily reinforced.  

2. Update your passwords : A simple yet powerful action

This is one of the most neglected security measures… yet one of the most powerful. So you should:

• Use long, complex, and unique passwords for each account.
• Avoid obvious combinations like 123456, password, or admin2024.
• Never write your passwords in unsecured documents.

Best practice: Use a secure password manager such as Bitwarden or 1Password to generate and store your credentials.
 

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): The Extra Layer of Protection

To protect sensitive access, adding another layer of security is crucial. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second step to the login process, such as a code sent via SMS or an app, after entering the password.

Best practice: Dimpo’s platform includes this highly recommended feature. Simply activate it to protect your access even if login details are compromised. (link to activation guide)
 

4. Plan for External Backup: Two Copies Are Better Than One

Even if your accounting data is already stored in the cloud, having a secondary, up-to-date backup stored elsewhere is wise. A double backup acts as insurance against service interruptions, human errors, or ransomware attacks.

Best practice: Here are two simple backup options:

• An encrypted external hard drive, kept in a secure location.
• A second cloud service set up for regular automatic backups.
  

 

5. Remind your team of best practices: The little things that matter

Even the best technology can’t replace human vigilance. Since security is everyone’s responsibility, organize a quick team refresher or workshop. Key points to review include:

• Never clicking on suspicious links in emails.
  
• Always locking your screen when leaving your desk.
• Not sharing or using someone else’s login.
• Being cautious with USB drives or unknown devices plugged into your computer.

Best practice: Consider creating a simple, clear, and relevant internal IT security policy. It will help strengthen collective responsibility and avoid misunderstandings.
 

Finally, enjoy a peaceful and secure summer with Dimpo

A summer cybersecurity clean-up is a great way to prepare your firm for a smooth fall, stronger foundations, and better-managed tools. Our cloud-based platform, accessible anywhere, fits perfectly into this approach with:

• Secure individual access for each team member.
• Real-time monitoring of accounting activities.
• Centralized data and simplified collaboration.

Take advantage of the quieter season to strengthen your accounting security and get ready for the next tax period with full confidence thanks to Dimpo.