In today’s increasingly digital world, protecting client data is no longer optional for tax professionals—it’s critical to your practice’s integrity and trustworthiness. In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears speaks with Jatin Narang, an authority on cybersecurity and compliance challenges unique to the tax and accounting industry.

Jatin, with over 15 years of experience in enterprise security, leads Verito, a company specializing in providing security-first IT solutions for tax professionals. He shares valuable insights into why tax firms, especially Enrolled Agents, are prime targets for cybercriminals and what you can do to prevent security breaches.

From the FTC Safeguards Rule to IRS Publication 4557, Jatin breaks down the key compliance requirements, discusses common security oversights, and highlights how cybersecurity can be a competitive advantage in the tax industry. If you haven’t given cybersecurity the attention it deserves, now is the time.

Why Listen

• Learn why cybersecurity is one of the most overlooked risks for tax firms today

• Understand the FTC Safeguards Rule and IRS security requirements

• Get actionable advice on how to implement effective security protocols

• Discover how cybersecurity can become a competitive advantage for tax professionals

• Avoid common cybersecurity pitfalls that could cost you your client’s trust

In This Episode:

• [00:00:00] Welcome to The Enrolled Agent Advocate

• [00:01:10] Meet Jatin Narang: 15+ years in enterprise security for tax professionals

• [00:02:01] Why tax firms are prime targets for cybercriminals

• [00:03:34] The biggest security risks EAs are underestimating as tax season approaches

• [00:06:00] Phishing, ransomware, and how hackers operate in 2023

• [00:08:43] Security requirements: FTC Safeguards Rule and IRS Publication 4557 explained

• [00:12:10] Key security measures every firm must implement to be compliant

• [00:13:50] The 3-2-1 Backup Rule and why it matters for your practice

• [00:16:00] How to protect your data and safeguard client trust

• [00:18:50] The impact of AI-driven threats on tax professionals’ security

• [00:21:30] How to create a zero-tolerance security policy for your firm

• [00:24:00] How a written information security plan (WISP) can protect your business

• [00:27:40] Best practices for evaluating cloud and private hosting providers

• [00:30:10] Why security training for staff is non-negotiable

• [00:32:00] Wrapping up: Proactive vs. reactive security

Notable Quotes

• “The attackers don’t care about the size of your firm. They care about the data you have.” — Jatin Narang

• “A data breach costs on average $300,000—and that’s just the start.” — Jatin Narang

• “Customer trust evaporates the moment a breach happens. You can’t put a price on that.” — Jatin Narang

• “Security is an ongoing process. It’s not just a checkbox you mark at the end of the year.” — Jatin Narang

Our Guest

Jatin Narang has over 15 years of experience in enterprise security, specializing in security-first IT solutions tailored for tax and accounting firms. As the leader of Verito, Jatin has helped more than 1,000 professionals meet strict regulatory requirements like the FTC Safeguards Rule and IRS security guidelines. His expertise covers data protection protocols, risk assessments, encryption, and the creation of written information security plans (WISP) for tax firms.

Passionate about transforming cybersecurity into a competitive advantage, Jatin helps firms increase client trust and operational efficiency while maintaining compliance with ever-evolving mandates.

Resource and Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

• Website - NAEA.org

Jatin Narang

• LinkedIn

• Website - Verito