Verito offering WISP service for firms

Verito, an accounting-focused cloud and IT services provider, launched a new service offering designed to help tax and accounting practices actively build and maintain a Written Information Security Program (WISP), called VeritShield, versus working alone off a downloaded generic template. 

A WISP is a comprehensive document that outlines how your business identifies, assesses, and manages cybersecurity risks to protect sensitive client information, acting as a strategic roadmap for an organization’s data security practices. Generally, an organization must designate employees to coordinate information security, identify and assess risks to client information in each area of the practice, evaluate current safeguards, design and implement a safeguards program and regularly monitor and test it, and contract a service provider that maintains safeguards and handling of customer information.

Drafting and maintaining a WISP is a requirement for tax preparers. While Preparer Tax Identification Number renewal and WISP compliance requirements aren’t new, IRS modifications last year have expanded their scope and changed basic security protocols into more comprehensive requirements.

Verito will now provide firms with a WISP customized to their specific size, workflow, and risk profile; comprehensive documentation and a step-by-step roadmap to follow; actionable guidance to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities; ongoing policy updates and support to prepare for regulatory reviews; and fulfillment of the mandatory IRS requirement for a WISP, ensuring tax preparers can maintain their credentials. Further, they will provide firms with expert-developed templates, checklists, and direct advisory support. This model enables a firm’s internal team to build and maintain a compliant WISP and confidently designate their own Qualified Individual (QI) without having to outsource the role. 

“Many firms are overwhelmed by the complexity of creating a WISP that satisfies federal regulations,” says Jatin Narang, CEO of Verito. “We designed VeritShield WISP to provide a clear, manageable path to compliance peace of mind. It empowers firms to protect their clients and their practice with a straightforward, audit-ready solution.”