Complimentary for Members

November 19, 2026

Live Webcast

NASBA 1
•
NYSED 1

Buffalo Chapter: Cybersecurity & Data Protection Essentials for Small CPA Firms

November 19, 2026
Live Webcast
NASBA 1
•
NYSED 1

Buffalo Chapter: Cybersecurity & Data Protection Essentials for Small CPA Firms

  • View Bio

    Instructor

    Fred
    Claus

    View Bio

    Mr. Fred Claus, Dr.

    Bio

    I'm Dr. Fred Claus, Small Business Technology Advisor at Husky Logic. I've spent 25+ years in technology and the last 13 focused exclusively on serving WNY small businesses through Husky Logic. My mission has always been the same — translating complex cybersecurity into plain English for the people who need it most.

    What I do: I work with WNY businesses with 5–40 employees who have no dedicated IT staff. I assess where you're exposed, build a protection plan matched to your size and budget, and manage it ongoing so you can stop worrying and get back to running your business.

    Why you can trust me:

    • PhD in Cybersecurity
    • 13 years serving WNY small businesses
    • Published author of Cybersecurity Essentials: Keeping Your Small Business Safe
    • Adjunct Cybersecurity Professor at two universities
    • Founder of Cyber Savvy — free digital literacy program for WNY seniors
    • A little about me: My technology journey started at 13 when my Uncle Ron caught me taking apart his computer. Instead of getting angry, he encouraged me. That moment sparked everything. Today I'm still driven by the same thing — genuine curiosity and the satisfaction of knowing I've actually helped someone.

Accounting firms face cybersecurity threats that put sensitive tax data, financial records, and client funds at risk. This course examines phishing, business email compromise, and payment-redirection scams, including heightened risks during busy season. Participants will explore practical safeguards for email, accounts, vendors, cloud software, and data backups, along with ransomware readiness, documented security policies, and insurance-related compliance considerations.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify cybersecurity threats targeting accounting firms and recognize red flags associated with phishing, business email compromise, wire fraud, and payment-redirection scams.
  • Evaluate practical firm-level safeguards, including multifactor authentication, password managers, vendor and cloud-software vetting, data backups, and ransomware preparedness.
  • Describe how documented security policies and evidence of a firm’s security posture support cyber and malpractice insurance requirements and renewal reviews.

Major Topics

  • Accounting Firm Cyber Threats
  • Essential Cybersecurity Safeguards
  • Security Policies and Insurance

CPE Credits Available

NASBA 1
NYSED 1
1
Specialized Knowledge (NASBA) - NASBA
1
Specialized Knowledge / Industries (NYSED) - NYSED

Things to Know About This Course

Course Level

  • Intermediate

Professional Area of Focus

  • Emerging Technology

Prerequisites

None.

Intended Audience

Sole proprietors and operators of small-to-medium CPA firms.

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