Keeping Your WISP Future-Proof
What a time to be alive! Technology is evolving so rapidly and artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how we do so many of our daily tasks. It’s a fascinating and exciting time for innovation, but with progress also comes new threats to be aware of in cybersecurity. If you have a Written Information Security Plan (WISP) you know that cybersecurity is a huge part of keeping your firm secure from hackers. But with these fast paced changes happening every day with AI and quantum computing, how can you keep your WISP future proof? Let’s dig into how you can adapt your WISP to stay proactive in the face of new technology and the unknowns.
Emerging technologies that will challenge cybersecurity in accounting
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) can detect threats more easily, find concerning patterns that signal problems faster, and even automate responses, but cyber criminals can also use it to launch more advanced cyber attacks or bypass defenses that are more conventional.
- Quantum Computing uses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information and are tremendous at mathematics. Therefore, even the best modern encryption methods can be broken in minutes instead of millennia using classical computing.
- Neuromorphic computing is an approach that designs hardware and software to mimic the way the human brain works. Best at adaptive learning and will be able to more easily find malicious network traffic real-time.
Do accountants need to regularly review their security plans?
Yes, because of these new innovations, accountants and tax professionals handling confidential data for their clients need to be continuously reassessing and updating their WISP to stay current with new emerging threats.
How do accountants strengthen cybersecurity defenses and be more prepared for what is to come?
1. Regularly review and update your security plan
A WISP really is considered a living document that must be updated and evolve alongside changes in the tech world. Put routine reviews on the calendar at least once a year or more often if major tech or regulatory updates arise. These reviews should include:
- Adjustments to policies or procedures related to security
- Risk assessments including suggested changes to defend
- Compliance checks done to test for holes in the plan
2. Incorporate AI-powered security measures in your plan
Cybercriminals are using AI to power their threats, but you can also use AI to create a smarter defense plan in your WISP including:
- Automated threat detection
- Automated systems set to respond to threats
- Behavioral tools to detect risks or behavior that is out of the ordinary
- AI tools to scan for vulnerabilities in the system
Pro Tip: Be sure to include a list of all of these AI tools and processes in your WISP so that your staff is aware. WISP Builder does this for you in regular staff training.
3. Be ready for quantum and neuromorphic computing to become more common
It’s true that quantum and neuromorphic computing emerging technologies, but with their impending threat on encryption and network traffic, you should plan for it like it already is here wherever possible. Stay informed on the upcoming non-mathematics based quantum-safe cryptography standards and regularly consider whether current encryption methods are secure or need an upgrade. Being ready will help save you time and increase your security when the time comes.
4. Continue prioritizing staff training to keep security top of mind
Training your staff on your WISP is something you need to be doing at least annually or anytime you make an update to the WISP or hire a new employee. This training is required simply to ensure that you are compliant. Now even more so, prioritizing staff training will also help you to keep your employees up to date on new AI-powered security tools emerging and raise awareness about AI, quantum computing, and future risks that come along with it.
Preparing for future technologies with resilience
AI, neuromorphic and quantum computing will continue to evolve at a rapid pace and are set to effect the world in major ways. Future proofing your WISP is about creating a culture in your accounting firm that embraces change while being cybersecurity-conscious. To easily create your WISP, sign up for WISPbuilder.com today or find out what happens if you don’t!
