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Cyber security is not just a problem for large corporations; it’s one of the biggest risks facing accountancy firms and sole practitioners today. With client data being highly sensitive and a prime target for cyber criminals, even a small breach can cause devastating financial, regulatory, and reputational damage.

43% of accountants do not provide any form of regular cyber security training for staff. 

Only 9% of accountants have Cyber Essentials certification – the basic level of cyber hygiene recommended by UK Gov 

This session will give accountants a clear understanding of the cyber threats most relevant to their profession, the real-world consequences of not acting, and practical, low-cost steps they can implement immediately to strengthen their defences. By attending, you’ll leave with the confidence to protect your practice, safeguard your client data, and reassure clients that you are taking their security seriously.

 In this session Damon Rands will cover the following topics:

• The cyber risks accountants face today: phishing, ransomware, BEC, supply chain risk, AI threats, and why professional services are prime targets.
• The real cost of a cyber breach: fines, reputational harm, regulatory consequences, and client trust erosion. Including examples of real-life attacks. 
• Practical steps to secure your practice: foundational processes to embed within the practice that make a big difference to your cyber resilience. 
• How to safeguard client data: data handling best practices, secure communication methods, and access controls.
• Building a culture of cyber awareness: training staff, spotting red flags, and embedding security into everyday practice.

By attending this session, you will:

• Understand the key cyber risks and attack methods affecting accountants and professional advisers.
• Recognise the business, legal, and reputational consequences of poor cyber security.
• Be able to implement straightforward, practical measures to immediately reduce cyber risk.
• Gain insight into how to protect client data and maintain professional trust.
• Feel confident in building a baseline cyber security posture for your practice.

This session will be of most interest to: 

• Accountants in practice (sole practitioners and firms of all sizes)
• Tax advisers and auditors handling client data
• Practice managers/business owners in the accounting sector
• Any professional service provider seeking to safeguard sensitive client information

Course level: Foundation

The session is designed to bring accountants and practitioners back to the basics of cyber security and set an effective foundational knowledge. No technical expertise is required, and the focus will be on clear, practical steps anyone can take.