October 07, 2025
On August 21, 2025, the Florida Institute of CPAs hosted its second annual Member
Appreciation Day, a virtual event offering up to eight hours of CPE for members. Sessions
covered everything from retirement planning to the hybrid marketplace, and of course the
growing cybersecurity risks facing CPA firms.
More than 600 CPAs and accounting professionals joined my session. That tells me something
important: this profession knows cyber threats are real, and you are looking for ways to protect
your clients and your firms.
Marjorie Stone, FICPA's Director of Strategic Relationships, said it best:
"Without insights from experts like Microtech IT and Cybersecurity, any industry can become
vulnerable to evolving cybersecurity threats. In the accounting and finance profession, however,
staying educated on the latest prevention strategies is especially critical, given the sensitive
personal information CPAs handle every day."
- Marjorie Stone, FICPA
By highlighting cybersecurity, FICPA is showing real leadership in protecting the profession.
Why Cybersecurity Hits CPAs Hard
Hackers are not after random data. They are after the very things CPAs handle every day: tax
returns, payroll records, wire instructions, and financial statements. Add in deadline pressure
and client trust, and firms become high-value targets.
I shared one story about a Florida firm that lost $200,000 when attackers hijacked an email
chain with the Department of Revenue. A single phone call to verify would have stopped it. That
is why I always remind firms: never trust email alone for money movement.
Three Habits You Can Start Right Now
Here are a few of the simple, practical habits we discussed:
Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication
Use it everywhere: email, payroll, banking, accounting software.
Apply STOP when something feels off
● Slow down
● Think about context
● Observe anomalies
● Phone-verify requests
Make security part of the culture
It is not just IT's job. From partners to interns, everyone has a role in protecting client trust.
The New Threat: AI-Powered Scams
Hackers are now using AI to make scams more convincing:
● Deepfake calls and video meetings that impersonate clients or executives
● Flawless phishing emails that look like they came from your real contacts
● Real-time MFA interception attacks that steal logins as you enter them
The takeaway? Do not rely on "gut feel" alone. If it involves money or sensitive data, verify it
outside of the channel it came in.
Moving Forward Together
Events like FICPA's Member Appreciation Day show what leadership looks like. By giving
members free access to hours of timely, practical training, FICPA is helping CPAs stay sharp,
protect client trust, and prepare for the future of the profession.
During my session, I offered attendees a free cybersecurity check-up, and I am happy to extend
that same offer now. No tech jargon, no heavy sales pitch. Just a plain-English look at where
your firm is strong and where you may be exposed.
Get Your Free Cybersecurity Assessment Here: https://www.micro-tech.com/scan
At Microtech, we specialize in helping CPA firms, law firms, and healthcare practices put these
protections in place so you can serve your clients with confidence.
