In the world of data, it has never been more important to ensure that information is secure and protected from malicious attacks. At Accountant Assist, security of your clients’ data is paramount. That is why we implement high level security measures to ensure that your data is safe. From internal to external risks, we have got it covered so that you have peace of mind.
We have privacy, confidentiality and non-compete agreements with all our staff members.
Virtual Terminal Server
- All our team members at Accountant Assist use a Virtual Terminal Server. A Virtual Terminal Server is a server or network device that enables remote connections from multiple client systems. For Accountant Assist, our Terminal Server is in Australia. This means that our data never leaves Australia even when our remote team members perform the work. Our servers can only be accessed through specific computers with static IP addresses. This means that they are not accessible outside of the office.
- Our terminals and servers are installed with firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection software and prevention systems to minimise any exploits or attacks. Internet activity is heavily monitored with websites required to be added to a “white-list” before they can be accessed. As this server is managed locally by our IT team, any programs and files downloaded are scanned and vetted before being allowed on the server. This ensures we maintain the highest level of data security.
- Our offices have no wireless connections/WiFi as an added layer of protection. The offshore office only runs “dummy” terminals, this means that the local computers only access the remote server to perform work. Nothing is stored on the local computers.
- Our data storage server is also located in Australia, which regularly backs up to our local office in Perth. No data can be transferred out of the Virtual Terminal Server with access and passwords all protected by Practice Protect.
Practice Protect
- Practice Protect is an industry leading software that allows for the management of passwords and access to software. What makes this software different is the level of security and control we achieve across our organisation. Access to software and passwords are all saved within a secure portal, which can only be accessed through each individual member's username and password. This is accompanied by a localised two factor authentication. Once a staff member gains access to the portal, there are additional checks that occur through the software. We Geolock and IP-lock all our staff logins. This means that staff members can only log in from their Virtual Terminal Sever on a specific computer at a specific location, in this case the Accountant Assist offices. All passwords will only ever be handled by local team members in Australia.
Physical Security Protocol
- CCTV throughout the building and offices in Vietnam
- Round the clock lobby security
- Key card entry into Accountant Assist offices
- All personal belongings are stored in staff lockers, this includes personal phones
- Clean desk policy
- Dual screen monitors
- No USB, disk drives or printers to prevent any extraction of data
- All documents are stored on our secure cloud portal
- No physical documents are ever stored in the office
- All team members are monitored by team leaders who report directly to our local managers
Our offshore office has round the clock security monitoring the lobby. We have key card access required to access the elevator to the Accountant Assist office. There is then another key card scan that is required in order to access the office. Only Accountant Assist personnel can access the office. Physical documents, books and other devices are prohibited in our offices. The entire office is monitored by security cameras and all PCs are desktops running a ‘dumb terminal system’. Ability to save or store data on the local PCs are all disabled. CD-ROM and other drives have been removed and access to physical/removable drives (external hard drives and USB)
have also been disabled. There are no printers or scanners available within the Accountant Assist office. Staff are required to keep all personal belongings including; bags, books and mobile phones in secure lockers provided. This allows us to minimise any risk of a data breach.