The NATP Guardian Package

Walkthrough of the FTC Safeguards Rule

In this course, we will review the FTC Safeguards Rule and its components. We will highlight the particular areas that focus specifically on financial services as well as those that are not “required” based upon firm size. However, our priority will

Foundations of Network Design for Financial Services

In this course, we will discuss the components necessary to design and configure a secure network to reduce risk and maintain a secure, stable operating environment. The FTC Safeguards Rule provides guidance of specific requirements as a baseline.

Cybersecurity for the Solo Firm

In this course, we will discuss the unique cybersecurity needs of solo firms, meaning a firm that has just one individual – the owner. We will discuss their unique needs as well as review a checklist to make managing their security needs easier.

Security Tips for the Growing Firm

You have invested time and resources into developing a secure and robust security plan but one of your biggest struggles will be your clients embracing these efforts and complying with these plans. We will discuss plans and efforts to assist clients.

GuardianTrust

An accounting and financial services industry-specific vendor management tool, helping review suppliers, tools, and systems to assist with FTC Safeguards Rule compliance.

Document Retention Best Practices

This course covers federal taxpayer information and document retention rules for tax and accounting firms, ensuring legal compliance and enhanced client trust.

Conforming Clients to Your Security Protocols

You have invested time and resources into developing a secure and robust security plan but one of your biggest struggles will be your clients embracing these efforts and complying with these plans. We will discuss plans and efforts to assist clients.

Cybersecurity and Data Management Best Practices

Collection of resources, training, and tutorials on best practices to improve the overall security of your firm.

Artificial Intelligence, Automations & Analytics

Collection of AI, prompts, data analytics techniques, algorithms, automations, and more. Helping you improve your firm through the latest in tech!

Guardian Reboot

A data destruction and hardware recycling service. Send us your equipment and we will cleanse and permanently remove any data, remove and destroy computer storage, prepare the equipment for recycling, and then provide a certificate of destruction.

Intermingling of Personal and Enterprise Technology

In many firms, owners and employees overlap their use of technology and devices between business use and personal use. This includes laptops, cell phones, internet access, and more. We will create policies and safeguards to protect firm data.

Guardian Library

Collection of book, audiobook, magazine and other resources to use for research or to expand your overall understanding of technical topics, particularly how they apply to business.

Security in AI

AI is the hot topic in 2024, and tax and financial service professionals are actively trying to leverage this new-found technology. Yes, there is a lot of power and capability with AI, but we do need to understand the underlying principles.

1-to-Many: Growing Beyond the One-Person Firm

Managing growth is one of the many challenges a single-firm owner faces and those challenges are multiplied when the decision is made to add the first employee, essentially growing from one staff member to two or more. Inc. security-related concerns.

Staying Safe While Traveling Internationally

Traveling internationally increases risk, so knowing what precautions to take while away from home and enjoying foreign travel is important to safeguard client data. In this session, we will focus on understanding the risks and protective measures.

Product Reviews

Collection of videos averaging 5-10 reviewing hardware and software products for functionality, security, & usefulness. All product reviews are the pure opinion of the reviewers & they receive no commissions, kickbacks or benefits for their thoughts.

Password Management

With the need for more complex password policies, across systems & websites, a strategy is required to manage both. We will discuss policies & applications to assist with document & password management.

Tech 101

Technology continually changes, and it can be difficult to stay up-to-date on what has changed and what is new. Tech 101 is a collection of brief videos explaining specific topics in a non-techy way.

IRC § 7216 Disclosures & Your Technology

This course discusses IRC § 7216 “Disclosure or use of information by preparers of returns” as it relates to disclosures and use of information to and between all of the software that we use to run our tax and accounting practices.

Shining Light on the Dark Web

In this class, we define the layers of the Internet, focusing on the Dark Web. The focus will be on understanding the implications the Dark Web has on financial services. A live demo of the Dark Web will give attendees hands-on exposure.

Guardian Resources

A collection of valuable documents and templates for you to use in your organization, including templates, attachments, how-to guides, and more. Additional documents will be added monthly.

Guardian Support

Semi-monthly support calls providing you access to industry and topical experts.

Guardian Community

A collaborate online group to share and work together

Member Discounts

Collections of software and tools that offer discounts to the Financial Guardians Community.

Training Videos

Collection of videos averaging 5-10 minutes with shareable links for you to share with your employees or contractors. A new video will be added monthly with the express intent of expanding their overall cyber knowledge.

Annual Review Checklist

The Annual Review Checklist is a checklist and process to ensure that you review your overall configuration at the end of each year in preparation for the next year.

Detecting and Responding to a Data Breach

In this class, we will Define a Data Breach, recognize Signs of a Data Breach, determine ways and steps for Confirming/Detecting a Data Breach, manage Response actions, and design an Emergency Response Plan.

IP Pin, PTIN, EFIN Management, and Identity Protection

For a tax professional, your PTIN and EFIN are critical to your operation. Similarly, your clients' IP Pin protects them from malicious activity. But how are you safeguarding these valuable data elements? In this session, we explore your options.

ID Theft and Warning Signs

Identity Theft is a growing concern - for your firm, your clients, and your employees. We will define ID theft, look at schemes, warning signs and protective layers to respond.

Cybersecurity Myths Debunked

With small businesses under constant threat of a cyber attack, staying up to date on current upcoming threats is critical to stay compliant and to safeguard client data. The struggle many firms face is scarily inaccurate information shared online.

WISP Misconceptions

Every paid tax return preparer is required to have a Written Information Security Plan (WISP). Many templates exist, including a template provided by the joint efforts of the IRS and the Security Summit. However, templates only go so far.