Protecting Financial Data: A Cybersecurity Overview (Course Id 2522)

• Who is this course for?
  This course is designed for anyone needing Continuing Professional Education (CPE), including CPAs and other finance professionals seeking to understand cybersecurity essentials.

• What is this course about or what problem does this course solve?
  This course addresses the growing risk of cyber threats by teaching the fundamentals of cybersecurity and how to protect sensitive financial data effectively.

• How can the knowledge from this course be used?
  Learners can apply best practices such as using strong passwords, encryption, secure communication, firewalls, and VPNs to protect financial data in both personal and professional contexts.

• Why is this course important to a CPA, Accountant, or IRS Enrolled Agent?
  Given their access to confidential financial information, this course helps these professionals prevent data breaches and comply with data protection standards.

• When is this course relevant or timely?
  Released in 2025, this course is timely as cyber threats continue to evolve, making up-to-date cybersecurity knowledge crucial for financial professionals.

• How is a course like this consumed or used?
  The course is delivered as a NASBA QAS self-study text and includes a final exam and review questions that must be completed within one year for credit.

This course offers key knowledge and skills to help protect sensitive financial data from cyber threats. It covers the basics of cybersecurity, highlighting common threats and their effects on both individuals and organizations. You will learn best practices and tools for securing data, such as strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, encryption, secure communication, firewalls, and VPNs.

NASBA QAS - Text - NASBA Registry - 2522

Course Learning Objectives

• Identify common cyber threats
• Recognize key cybersecurity terminology and concepts
• Identify best practices for safeguarding financial data
• Recognize the importance of encryption, secure communication, firewalls, and software updates

Chapter 1 - Protecting Financial Data: A Cybersecurity Overview

Course Learning Objectives

Course Overview

Introduction

Definition & Importance

Key Terminology

Common Types of Cyber Threats

Cyber Threats Specific to Finance Professionals

Impact of Cybersecurity Breaches on Financial Institutions

Review Questions

Best Practices and Tools

Best Practices for Safeguarding Financial Data

Strong Password Policies

Multi-Factor Authentication

Encryption and Secure Communication

Regular Software Updates

Firewalls

Data Backup & Recovery Planning

Anti-Virus & Anti-Malware Solutions

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Secure File Sharing

Conclusion

Review Questions

Glossary of Key Terms