An accountancy practice holds some of the most sensitive data a small business has: payroll, tax returns, bank details and personal financial records for dozens or hundreds of clients. Host-It provides managed IT and cybersecurity for accountants and tax practices in Bray, Greystones, Dublin and across Ireland, set up so that client data is protected and the practice keeps running through the busiest weeks of the year.
What is different about IT in an accountancy practice
- Deadlines are fixed. Year-end, VAT and income tax filing periods leave no room for a day of downtime, so problems must be fixed fast and prevented where possible.
- Client data is confidential and regulated. You are a data controller under GDPR, and clients trust you with information that criminals value.
- Email carries risk. Fake invoices, spoofed partner emails and requests to change bank details are common targets for firms that handle payments and filings.
- Staff work flexibly. Laptops, home working and client-site visits mean data leaves the office every day.
- Software must be available. Accounting, practice management and tax software, along with access to Revenue’s online services, need to work reliably.
How we set up a practice
| Risk to the practice | What we put in place |
|---|---|
| Stolen or guessed passwords | Multi-factor authentication and conditional access on Microsoft 365 |
| Malware or ransomware on a laptop | Huntress managed endpoint detection and response on every device |
| Staff clicking a bad link | DNSFilter blocks known malicious sites before they load |
| Lost or stolen laptop | Managed devices with disk encryption, so data is not readable if a device goes missing |
| Lost files or a failed server | Comet backups with regular restore tests, so recovery is proven |
| Staff seeing files they should not | Access permissions reviewed and kept in line with roles |
Busy season support
We agree with you in advance when your peak periods fall, avoid planned changes during them, and make sure backups, devices and licences are in good order beforehand. When something does break at the wrong time, your request goes to a team that already knows your setup.
Calm, practical security for client data
Our approach follows the CIS Controls and prepares practices for Cyber Essentials, which is increasingly useful when larger clients ask how you protect their data. For the full picture, see our cyber security services, and read how our managed service works. We also support law firms.
Common questions
Can you support the accounting and tax software we use?
We look after the devices, networks, Microsoft 365 and access that your software depends on, and we work with your software vendors when an issue sits with them. Tell us what you use and we will confirm how we would support it.
We are a small practice. Is managed IT worth it?
For many small practices the main benefit is not cost, it is knowing that backups work, devices are protected and someone is accountable. The free review will show you where you stand.
Do you cover practices outside Dublin?
Yes. We are based in Bray, Co. Wicklow, and support practices across Wicklow, Dublin and the rest of Ireland. See IT support in Wicklow and Bray.
Will you help us answer clients’ security questionnaires?
Yes. Because your setup is documented, we can help you answer questions about MFA, backups, encryption and access accurately.