Whether you're heading across town or across the globe, traveling with electronic devices carries real risks to the sensitive client and firm data stored on them. In this session, we’ll explore the ethical obligations CPAs have to protect confidential information, including guidance from the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable laws. We’ll examine how data can be accessed — legitimately or maliciously — by third parties during travel, and offer practical strategies to minimize risk, from using loaner devices and mobile device management to coordinating with IT before departure. The session includes current border search rules, international considerations, and actionable tips for staying secure in transit.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize ways that client and firm data can be accessed by third parties during travel
- Understand how to protect your client and firm data while traveling
Major Topics
- CPA responsibilities for client data
- Understanding the risks while traveling
- Legal and regulatory landscape
- CPA-specific considerations
- Data protection techniques and tools
- Policy and technical safeguards
- Pre- and post-travel protocols
- Employee education and compliance
