Data security is a critical concern as businesses increasingly adopt digital tools. Sensitive financial data moves across systems daily, and organizations must protect it from cyber threats. Cloud accounting security has become essential. Legacy systems and on-premises accounting solutions often lack modern security features, leaving businesses vulnerable to breaches and costly penalties.
Sage Intacct offers a secure, cloud-based platform that addresses those risks. Its security features protect data, support compliance, and scale as your business grows. Explore the platform’s security measures and how they help protect your business from modern cyber threats.
Security Risks of Legacy Accounting Systems
As businesses grow, outdated systems can become a significant liability. Legacy software and on-premises solutions can create these challenges:
Increased vulnerability
Older systems are more susceptible to attacks because they frequently lack modern encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. When vendors stop issuing regular updates, known vulnerabilities accumulate over time and make systems easier targets.
Compliance challenges
Legacy systems may not meet modern security standards or regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA or PCI DSS. Organizations often rely on costly upgrades or manual workarounds to stay compliant.
Lack of regular updates
Legacy software often doesn’t receive timely security patches, which leaves known weaknesses exposed. These systems may also be incompatible with newer security technologies and standards.
Data protection and privacy
Many legacy platforms lack built-in tools to protect sensitive data. For example, some don’t support encryption or secure data disposal, which raises the risk of breaches and noncompliance.
Limited disaster recovery
On-premises solutions frequently lack robust disaster recovery capabilities or integration with modern cloud-based backup services. If data loss or a breach occurs, recovery may be slow or incomplete.
Limited scalability
Legacy systems often struggle to support larger, more dynamic environments. As organizations grow, scaling these systems can introduce new risks.
High maintenance costs
Organizations must invest in specialized expertise and ongoing support to maintain and secure legacy systems. Many platforms no longer receive vendor support, which complicates security management.
Sage Intacct ERP Solutions
Explore Sage Intacct ERP Solutions for real-time financial visibility and streamlined operations tailored for your business needs.
Learn MoreSage Intacct ERP Solutions
How Sage Intacct Strengthens Cloud Accounting Security
A secure, cloud-based platform like Sage Intacct helps organizations reduce risk, support compliance, and simplify IT management. It takes a comprehensive approach to security and protects data at every level. Key measures include:
Certified Security Professionals and Ongoing Training
Certified information security professionals oversee physical security and cybersecurity controls across applications, infrastructure and internal IT systems. Employees receive ongoing training on data protection, social engineering, personnel security and regulatory compliance, including PCI, HIPAA and GDPR.
Continuous Monitoring and Testing
Sage Intacct continuously monitors system activity and uses audit logs to detect suspicious behavior. Teams conduct internal and third-party risk assessments, including penetration tests, to evaluate controls. They also test incident response plans each year.
Compliance with Industry Standards
The platform undergoes regular audits and meets key standards, including SSAE 18, SOC 1 Type II, SOC 2 Type II, PCI DSS Level 1, HIPAA and GDPR. These audits ensure compliance with security and regulatory requirements.
Network and Host Security
Layered controls protect the network and host environment, including firewalls, intrusion detection, antivirus software, patch management and system hardening. Teams audit and update controls regularly to address evolving threats.
Data Encryption and Protection
Sage Intacct encrypts data in transit to help protect customer information. It encrypts network transmissions using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL/TLS) or Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) with at least 128-bit encryption. For wireless networks, it uses Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and secure alternatives such as virtual private networks (VPNs) or TLS.
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
The platform supports business continuity with a structured data recovery process, including backup and restore procedures backed by service-level agreements. It targets a recovery point objective of no more than four hours and a restore time objective of no more than 24 hours to help limit disruption.
Data Privacy and Access Control in Cloud Accounting
Sage Intacct gives organizations control of their data. Users can access and manage information through the interface, reports, application programming interfaces (APIs) and data delivery services. Organizations can configure access controls to ensure only authorized users can view sensitive information.
The platform complies with applicable data protection laws and follows strict data disposal processes for obsolete data. Key controls include:
- Inactivity and session timeouts that automatically log users out
- Password complexity requirements and periodic updates
- Account lockout after failed login attempts
- IP address filtering to restrict system access
- Single sign-on and multifactor authentication
- Role-based permissions for controlled access
- Web services authorization controls
- Content security policies that restrict URL access
Sage Intacct provides robust security controls, but organizations must still manage user access and security policies. When businesses use these tools effectively, they can align security with operational needs.
Build a More Secure Cloud Accounting Strategy
CBIZ helps organizations implement and optimize Sage Intacct to build a secure cloud accounting platform that protects critical financial data. Our team works closely with clients to tailor security strategies, improve operations and maintain compliance with industry standards.
To learn more about how Sage Intacct can help protect sensitive information and support secure growth, contact a member of our team.
© Copyright CBIZ, Inc. All rights reserved. Use of the material contained herein without the express written consent of the firms is prohibited by law. This publication is distributed with the understanding that CBIZ is not rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice. The reader is advised to contact a tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information. CBIZ assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with the use of this information and assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein. Material contained in this publication is informational and promotional in nature and not intended to be specific financial, tax or consulting advice. Readers are advised to seek professional consultation regarding circumstances affecting their organization.
“CBIZ” is the brand name under which CBIZ CPAs P.C. and CBIZ, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including CBIZ Advisors, LLC, provide professional services. CBIZ CPAs P.C. and CBIZ, Inc. (and its subsidiaries) practice as an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. CBIZ CPAs P.C. is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. CBIZ, Inc. and its subsidiary entities provide tax, advisory, and consulting services to their clients. CBIZ, Inc. and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms and, therefore, cannot provide attest services.
