Firewall Configuration For Tax Preparers: 2025 Security Six Guide

Security Six firewall configuration represents a mandatory cybersecurity control required by IRS Publication 4557 for all tax professionals holding a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number). According to the IRS Security Summit, tax preparation firms experience cyberattacks at three times the rate of other small businesses, with average breach costs exceeding $184,000 in recovery expenses, regulatory fines, and lost business revenue. A properly configured Security Six firewall serves as the primary defense mechanism between your tax practice network and external threats, blocking unauthorized access attempts, preventing data exfiltration, and ensuring compliance with both FTC Safeguards Rule and IRS security mandates.

The regulatory landscape for tax professionals has intensified significantly in 2025. The FTC Safeguards Rule now requires documented implementation of administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect customer information, with firewall protection explicitly mandated as a core technical control. Non-compliance results in penalties up to $100,000 per violation, with each missing security control potentially constituting a separate violation. Beyond regulatory requirements, the business implications are severe: tax firms that experience data breaches lose an average of 40% of their client base due to reputation damage and trust erosion.

Understanding Security Six Firewall Requirements for Tax Professionals

The Security Six firewall requirement originates from IRS Publication 4557, which establishes six fundamental security controls that all tax preparers must implement. These controls form the baseline cybersecurity framework designed specifically to protect taxpayer data from the increasingly sophisticated threat landscape targeting financial services professionals.

A Security Six firewall operates as a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. According to NIST Special Publication 800-41, firewalls establish a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks such as the internet. For tax professionals, this means protecting systems containing Social Security numbers, Employer Identification Numbers, bank account details, income information, and complete tax returns from unauthorized access.

How Security Six Firewalls Protect Tax Practice Data

Modern Security Six firewall implementations provide multiple layers of protection beyond simple port blocking. Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) incorporate advanced security features specifically relevant to tax preparation environments:

Selecting the Right Security Six Firewall for Your Practice Size

Security Six firewall selection depends on multiple factors including practice size, number of employees, remote work requirements, technical expertise, and budget constraints. The following framework categorizes firewall solutions by practice size with specific product recommendations and implementation considerations.

Solo Practitioners and Small Firms (1-5 Users)

Investment Range: $500-$1,500 (hardware) + $150-$400 annually (subscriptions)

Small tax practices require Security Six firewall solutions that balance robust protection with ease of management. Business-grade unified threat management (UTM) appliances provide comprehensive security without requiring dedicated IT staff:

• SonicWall TZ370: Designed specifically for small offices, includes integrated wireless capabilities, deep packet inspection, anti-malware scanning, and intrusion prevention. Cloud-based management portal simplifies configuration and monitoring. Suitable for 5-10 users with throughput up to 1.9 Gbps.
• Fortinet FortiGate 40F: Excellent price-to-performance ratio with FortiGuard security subscriptions providing real-time threat intelligence. Includes SD-WAN capabilities for multi-location practices. User-friendly FortiGate interface suitable for non-technical administrators.
• WatchGuard Firebox T25: Cloud-managed solution ideal for practitioners without technical expertise. WatchGuard Cloud provides centralized visibility and simplified policy management. Includes Total Security Suite with application control, web filtering, and advanced malware protection.
• Cisco Meraki MX68: Completely cloud-managed with zero-touch deployment. Intuitive dashboard provides visibility without complexity. Ideal for solo practitioners or those using managed service providers for ongoing support.

Medium Practices (6-25 Users)

Investment Range: $2,000-$10,000 (hardware) + $500-$2,000 annually (subscriptions)

Medium-sized tax firms require more sophisticated Security Six firewall solutions with greater throughput, advanced threat prevention, and granular policy controls:

• Palo Alto Networks PA-440: Industry-leading next-generation firewall with machine learning-based threat prevention. App-ID technology identifies applications regardless of port or protocol, enabling precise policy enforcement. Threat Prevention subscriptions provide protection against zero-day exploits.
• Fortinet FortiGate 60F/80F: Excellent balance of performance and features for growing practices. Security Fabric integration enables coordinated threat response across network infrastructure. FortiAnalyzer integration provides comprehensive logging and compliance reporting required for FTC Safeguards Rule audits.
• Check Point 1500/1600 Series: Comprehensive security with unified management through Check Point SmartConsole. SandBlast Zero-Day Protection provides advanced threat emulation to detect previously unknown malware. Ideal for practices handling high-value client portfolios requiring maximum security.
• Sophos XGS Series (XGS 116/126): Synchronized Security feature coordinates firewall and endpoint protection for enhanced threat visibility. Web Application Firewall protects client portals and web-based tax applications. Xstream architecture provides high-performance TLS inspection without degradation.

Large Practices and Multi-Office Firms (25+ Users)

Investment Range: $10,000-$50,000+ (infrastructure) + $2,000-$10,000+ annually (subscriptions and support)

Enterprise tax practices require high-performance Security Six firewall solutions with centralized management, redundancy capabilities, and advanced analytics:

• Palo Alto Networks PA-3200 Series: High-throughput firewalls supporting thousands of concurrent users across multiple offices. Panorama centralized management provides unified policy enforcement and reporting. DNS Security service blocks malicious domains before connections establish.
• Fortinet FortiGate 100F/200F Series: Scalable security platform with SD-WAN capabilities for optimized connectivity between office locations. Security Fabric enables coordinated threat response across distributed infrastructure. FortiGuard AI-powered security services provide industry-leading threat intelligence.
• Cisco Firepower 2100 Series: Integrated threat defense platform combining firewall, intrusion prevention, advanced malware protection, and URL filtering. Cisco Talos threat intelligence provides real-time protection against emerging threats. Ideal for firms with existing Cisco network infrastructure.
• Check Point 6000/26000 Series: High-availability configurations with clustering for mission-critical environments. Threat Emulation and Extraction technologies prevent zero-day attacks and ransomware. Compliance Blade simplifies PCI DSS and GLBA compliance reporting.

Step-by-Step Security Six Firewall Configuration Guide

Proper configuration transforms a Security Six firewall from simple network equipment into a comprehensive security control. The following implementation methodology ensures compliance with IRS Publication 4557 requirements and FTC Safeguards Rule mandates.

Phase 1: Initial Security Six Firewall Setup

Step 1: Change All Default Credentials

Default administrator passwords represent the most exploited vulnerability in firewall deployments. According to CISA cybersecurity advisories, automated scanning tools continuously probe internet-connected devices for default credentials. In February 2025, hackers compromised over 10,000 firewall devices globally using manufacturer default passwords published in online documentation.

Step 2: Update Firmware to Latest Security Version

Firewall manufacturers continuously release security updates addressing newly discovered vulnerabilities. Install the latest stable firmware version before proceeding with configuration. Verify digital signatures on firmware downloads to prevent supply chain attacks.

Step 3: Configure Basic Network Parameters

Establish fundamental network settings including WAN/Internet interface configuration, LAN/Internal interface parameters, DNS servers (use secure DNS providers like Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 or Quad9 9.9.9.9), and NTP time synchronization for accurate log timestamps required for compliance reporting.

Phase 2: Implementing Security Six Firewall Rules

Security Six firewall rules must follow the principle of “deny all, permit specific” also known as default-deny or whitelist approach. This security model blocks all traffic by default and only allows explicitly authorized communications.

Essential Outbound Rules for Tax Practices:

Critical Inbound Rules (Block by Default):

Phase 3: Advanced Security Six Firewall Features

Enable Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

Modern Security Six firewalls include intrusion prevention capabilities that detect and block exploit attempts in real-time. IPS examines network traffic for known attack signatures and suspicious behavior patterns. Configure IPS in “prevention” mode rather than “detection” mode to actively block threats rather than simply alerting administrators.

Configure Geographic Filtering

If your tax practice serves only United States clients, implement geolocation-based blocking to prevent connections from foreign countries. According to FBI Cyber Division reporting, over 80% of cyberattacks targeting U.S. tax professionals originate from IP addresses in Eastern Europe, Asia, and South America. Geographic blocking provides a simple yet effective threat reduction mechanism.

Implement SSL/TLS Inspection

Cybercriminals increasingly use encrypted HTTPS connections to hide malware communications and data exfiltration. SSL/TLS inspection (also called SSL decryption or HTTPS inspection) enables your Security Six firewall to decrypt, inspect, and re-encrypt traffic to detect threats hiding in encrypted sessions. This capability requires additional processing power but provides critical visibility into modern encrypted threats.

Enable Anti-Malware Scanning

Configure gateway anti-malware scanning to inspect files and web content for viruses, ransomware, and other malicious code before they reach user workstations. This provides an additional security layer complementing endpoint antivirus protection required by the IRS Security Six framework.

Configure DNS Security

DNS-based security blocks access to known malicious domains before connections establish. Configure your Security Six firewall to use secure DNS services like Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 for Families, Quad9, or Cisco OpenDNS. These services automatically block domains associated with malware, phishing, and command-and-control servers.

Phase 4: Network Segmentation for Security Six Compliance

Network segmentation divides your practice network into isolated security zones, limiting the potential damage if one segment becomes compromised. This defense-in-depth strategy aligns with FTC Safeguards Rule requirements for access controls and data protection.

Implement VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) or physical network separation to create these security zones. Configure firewall rules to control traffic flow between zones, allowing only necessary communications while blocking all other inter-zone traffic.

Security Six Firewall Logging and Monitoring Requirements

The FTC Safeguards Rule explicitly requires continuous monitoring and logging of information systems. Your Security Six firewall serves as a primary source of security logs providing visibility into network activity, threat attempts, and policy violations.

Essential Logging Configuration

Configure your Security Six firewall to log the following events with sufficient detail for security analysis and compliance reporting:

• Allowed Connections: Source IP, destination IP, port numbers, protocols, timestamps, usernames (if identified)
• Blocked Connections: All details of denied traffic including source, destination, and deny reason
• Threat Events: IPS detections, malware blocks, geographic filtering blocks, URL filtering blocks
• Administrative Actions: Configuration changes, rule modifications, firmware updates, administrator logins
• VPN Activity: Remote access connections, authentication successes and failures, session durations
• System Events: Service starts/stops, high CPU or memory conditions, disk space warnings

Log Retention and Storage

Regulatory compliance requires maintaining security logs for specified retention periods. The GLBA (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) and state data breach notification laws typically require 12-24 months of log retention. Configure your Security Six firewall to store logs on external log servers or SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems to prevent log loss if the firewall fails or becomes compromised.

Security Alerting Configuration

Configure real-time alerts for critical security events requiring immediate attention:

• Multiple failed authentication attempts (potential brute force attack)
• IPS detections indicating active exploit attempts
• Malware downloads or command-and-control communications
• Unusual data transfer volumes (potential data exfiltration)
• Geographic blocking events from restricted countries
• Firewall configuration changes
• VPN connections from new or suspicious locations

Configure alerts to notify designated security personnel via email and SMS. Establish escalation procedures for after-hours security events as part of your practice’s incident response plan.

Common Security Six Firewall Configuration Mistakes

Understanding common firewall configuration errors helps tax professionals avoid costly security gaps and compliance violations.

Mistake #1: Set-and-Forget Mentality

The Problem: Many tax practices install a Security Six firewall during initial setup and never review or update the configuration. Threat landscapes evolve continuously, and static security configurations become increasingly ineffective over time.

The Impact: Firewall rules become outdated, security subscriptions expire, firmware vulnerabilities remain unpatched, and new threats bypass outdated protection mechanisms.

The Solution: Establish a formal Security Six firewall maintenance schedule including monthly security subscription updates, quarterly firmware patching, semi-annual rule reviews, and annual comprehensive security audits. Document maintenance activities in your WISP as evidence of ongoing compliance with FTC Safeguards Rule requirements.

Mistake #2: Overly Permissive Rules

The Problem: Firewall rules that allow traffic from “any” source to “any” destination defeat the fundamental purpose of network segmentation and access control.

The Impact: During the 2024 tax season, FBI Cyber Division analysis of 47 tax firm data breaches found that 67% involved firewalls with “any/any” rules that allowed attackers to move laterally through networks after initial compromise.

The Solution: Implement the principle of least privilege at the network level. Every firewall rule should specify exact source addresses (or address groups), destination addresses, specific ports, and protocols. Audit existing rules quarterly to identify and eliminate overly permissive configurations.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Log Files

The Problem: Security Six firewalls generate thousands of log entries daily, but many practices never review this critical security intelligence.

The Impact: According to IBM Security’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average time to detect a data breach is 204 days. Firewall logs typically contain early warning indicators of compromise that, if detected promptly, could prevent full-scale breaches.

The Solution: Implement automated log analysis and alerting rather than relying on manual review. Consider using managed detection and response (MDR) services that provide 24/7 security monitoring by cybersecurity professionals.

Mistake #4: No Configuration Backups

The Problem: Firewall configuration errors can lock administrators out of management interfaces or disrupt critical business communications. Without current configuration backups, recovery requires complete reconfiguration from scratch.

The Impact: A mid-sized CPA firm in Ohio experienced this scenario in March 2025 when a firewall firmware upgrade corrupted the configuration. With no backup available, the firm experienced 14 hours of network downtime during peak tax season, resulting in missed filing deadlines and client complaints.

The Solution: Backup Security Six firewall configurations before every change. Most modern firewalls support automated scheduled backups to external storage. Store configuration backups in secure offsite locations separate from the firewall itself. Test configuration restore procedures quarterly to verify backup validity.

Mistake #5: Direct Internet Exposure of Management Interfaces

The Problem: Exposing firewall management interfaces directly to the internet creates unnecessary attack surface and enables brute force attacks against administrator credentials.

The Impact: CISA regularly publishes advisories about compromised firewall devices resulting from exposed management interfaces. Attackers automate scanning for common firewall management ports and attempt credential brute force attacks.

The Solution: Only allow Security Six firewall management access from internal network segments or through secure VPN connections. Never expose management interfaces directly to the internet. Implement IP address whitelisting to restrict management access to specific administrator workstations.

Mistake #6: Inadequate Testing After Changes

The Problem: Implementing firewall rule changes without thorough testing can inadvertently block legitimate business traffic or create security gaps.

The Impact: A solo tax preparer in Arizona added a new firewall rule during busy season that unintentionally blocked IRS e-file system access. The error wasn’t discovered until multiple client returns failed to transmit, resulting in late filing penalties.

The Solution: Implement a change management process for Security Six firewall modifications including testing in non-production environments when possible, scheduling changes during maintenance windows outside business hours, validating critical business functions after changes, and maintaining documented rollback procedures.

Security Six Firewall Compliance and Documentation Requirements

Regulatory compliance extends beyond technical implementation to include comprehensive documentation proving ongoing adherence to security requirements.

IRS Publication 4557 Documentation Requirements

Your practice’s Written Information Security Plan (WISP) must include specific documentation of Security Six firewall implementation:

• Firewall Make, Model, and Specifications: Document the specific firewall hardware or software deployed
• Configuration Standards: Detailed description of firewall configuration including default-deny policies, specific rule sets, and enabled security features
• Network Diagrams: Visual representations showing firewall placement and network segmentation
• Maintenance Schedule: Documented procedures for firmware updates, rule reviews, and security subscription renewals
• Access Controls: List of personnel authorized to modify firewall configurations
• Incident Response Procedures: Documented processes for responding to firewall alerts and security events

FTC Safeguards Rule Requirements

The FTC Safeguards Rule updated in 2023 requires specific technical safeguards documentation:

• Risk Assessment: Documentation identifying network security risks and how Security Six firewall mitigates those risks
• Security Controls Testing: Records of periodic firewall penetration testing and vulnerability assessments
• Change Logs: Detailed records of all firewall configuration changes including date, administrator, and business justification
• Incident Reports: Documentation of security events detected by firewall including investigation findings and remediation actions
• Breach Notification Procedures: Processes for using firewall logs in breach investigations and notification determinations

Audit and Assessment Preparation

Maintain organized documentation enabling rapid response to regulatory audits, client due diligence requests, or insurance carrier assessments. Create a compliance binder (physical or digital) containing:

• Current WISP with Security Six firewall policies
• Network diagrams and architecture documentation
• Firewall configuration exports (with sensitive information redacted)
• Maintenance and patch management logs
• Security assessment and penetration test reports
• Security awareness training records
• Vendor security documentation for firewall and related services

Advanced Security Six Firewall Considerations

High Availability and Redundancy

Larger tax practices may require redundant firewall configurations to eliminate single points of failure. High availability configurations deploy two identical firewalls in active/passive or active/active clustering. If the primary firewall fails, the secondary unit automatically assumes traffic processing with minimal disruption.

While enterprise-level redundancy exceeds requirements for most small and medium practices, consider the business impact of firewall failures during peak tax season. Many modern Security Six firewalls include built-in high availability features requiring only a second identical unit and proper configuration.

Cloud-Based vs. On-Premises Security Six Firewalls

Tax practices increasingly utilize cloud-based applications and infrastructure, raising questions about optimal firewall deployment models:

On-Premises Firewalls: Traditional hardware firewalls installed at office locations provide complete control over security policies and configurations. Best suited for practices with significant on-premises infrastructure and in-office staff.

Cloud-Based Firewalls (FWaaS): Firewall-as-a-Service solutions deployed in cloud environments protect remote workers and cloud applications. Services like Cisco Umbrella, Zscaler, and Palo Alto Prisma Access provide firewall capabilities without hardware deployment.

Hybrid Approach: Many practices benefit from combining on-premises firewalls protecting office networks with cloud-based security protecting remote workers and cloud applications. This defense-in-depth strategy provides comprehensive protection regardless of user location.

Integration with Other Security Six Components

Maximum security effectiveness results from integrating Security Six firewall with other required security controls:

VPN Integration: Configure Security Six firewall to terminate VPN connections, enforcing security policies on remote access traffic. This ensures remote workers receive the same network security protections as office-based staff.

Multi-Factor Authentication Integration: Many modern firewalls support MFA integration, requiring additional authentication factors for VPN access or administrative functions. This satisfies both the firewall and multi-factor authentication requirements of Security Six.

Endpoint Security Coordination: Advanced firewall platforms can integrate with endpoint security solutions, sharing threat intelligence and enabling coordinated threat response. For example, if endpoint antivirus detects malware, the integrated firewall can automatically quarantine the infected device.

Backup System Protection: Configure Security Six firewall rules to protect backup systems and ensure encrypted backup traffic flows properly. This supports the Security Six backup requirements while preventing unauthorized access to backup repositories.

Security Six Firewall Vendor Selection Criteria

Choosing the appropriate Security Six firewall vendor requires evaluating multiple factors beyond initial hardware costs:

Security Six Firewall Implementation Timeline and Budget

Proper Security Six firewall implementation requires adequate time and financial resources. The following timeline provides realistic expectations for deployment:

Week 1: Assessment and Planning

• Conduct network security assessment
• Document current network architecture
• Identify security requirements and compliance gaps
• Select appropriate firewall solution
• Develop implementation project plan

Week 2: Procurement and Preparation

• Purchase Security Six firewall hardware and subscriptions
• Schedule implementation during low-activity period
• Backup current network configurations
• Prepare network diagrams for post-implementation documentation
• Communicate implementation schedule to staff

Week 3: Implementation and Configuration

• Install Security Six firewall hardware
• Configure basic network parameters
• Implement firewall rules based on security requirements
• Enable advanced security features (IPS, anti-malware, SSL inspection)
• Configure logging and alerting
• Implement network segmentation

Week 4: Testing and Optimization

• Test all critical business applications
• Verify IRS e-file system connectivity
• Validate email functionality
• Test remote access VPN connections
• Optimize rules based on testing results
• Document final configuration

Ongoing: Maintenance and Monitoring

• Daily: Review security alerts
• Weekly: Check firewall health and performance
• Monthly: Update security subscriptions and review new threats
• Quarterly: Conduct rule audits and firmware updates
• Annually: Comprehensive security assessment and penetration testing

Budget Considerations

Security Six firewall budgeting should allocate $100-$200 per user for initial hardware costs, plus $50-$100 per user annually for security subscriptions, support contracts, and ongoing maintenance. For a 10-person tax practice, this translates to $1,000-$2,000 initial investment and $500-$1,000 annual recurring costs—a minimal investment compared to the average $184,000 cost of a data breach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Security Six Firewall Requirements

Is Windows Firewall sufficient to meet IRS Security Six requirements?

No. While Windows Firewall provides basic host-based protection, it does not satisfy the IRS Security Six firewall requirement. IRS Publication 4557 specifically requires network-based firewall protection that defends the entire practice network, not just individual computers. Windows Firewall lacks critical capabilities including network segmentation, centralized management, advanced threat prevention, comprehensive logging, and intrusion prevention. Tax professionals must implement business-grade network firewalls with next-generation security features to achieve compliance and adequate protection.

How much should a tax practice budget for Security Six firewall implementation?

Security Six firewall budgets vary based on practice size and complexity. Solo practitioners and small firms (1-5 users) should budget $500-$1,500 for hardware plus $150-$400 annually for security subscriptions. Medium practices (6-25 users) typically invest $2,000-$10,000 for hardware plus $500-$2,000 annually for subscriptions and support. Large practices (25+ users) require $10,000-$50,000 for enterprise firewall infrastructure plus $2,000-$10,000 annually for ongoing costs. Calculate approximately $100-$200 per user for initial deployment and $50-$100 per user annually for maintenance and subscriptions.

Do cloud-based tax software users still need Security Six firewalls?

Absolutely. Even when using cloud-based tax software like Drake Tax Hosted or Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS, your office network still requires Security Six firewall protection. Firewalls protect your workstations accessing cloud applications, prevent malware infections that could compromise cloud credentials, protect other office systems and data, secure any locally stored client information, and comply with IRS Publication 4557 requirements that apply regardless of software deployment model. Cloud applications do not eliminate the need for comprehensive network security controls.

How often should Security Six firewall configurations be updated?

Security Six firewall maintenance follows a multi-tiered schedule: Security signature updates should occur daily and should be automated. Firmware and security patches require monthly review with critical updates applied immediately. Firewall rule audits should be conducted quarterly to remove obsolete rules and optimize configurations. Comprehensive security assessments including penetration testing should occur annually before tax season begins. Additionally, update firewall configurations immediately when adding new services, changing network architecture, or responding to security incidents. Document all configuration changes in your WISP to demonstrate ongoing compliance.

What happens if tax preparers don’t implement Security Six firewalls?

Non-compliance with Security Six firewall requirements creates multiple serious consequences: IRS penalties including potential loss of PTIN and e-file privileges; FTC Safeguards Rule violations resulting in fines up to $100,000 per violation; dramatically increased breach risk with average costs exceeding $184,000; client notification obligations and associated costs; professional liability insurance claim denials for non-compliant security practices; reputation damage and client loss following security incidents; and potential personal liability for negligent security practices resulting in client harm. Beyond regulatory consequences, inadequate firewall protection makes data breaches virtually inevitable given the threat landscape targeting tax professionals.

Can tax practices use consumer-grade routers for Security Six compliance?

No. Consumer-grade routers from retail stores do not provide adequate protection for professional tax practices. While these devices include basic firewall functionality, they lack essential capabilities required for Security Six compliance including advanced threat prevention and intrusion detection, comprehensive logging and audit trails, VPN capabilities for secure remote access, network segmentation and VLAN support, centralized management for policy enforcement, application-layer filtering and control, SSL/TLS inspection for encrypted traffic, and vendor support with security updates beyond 1-2 years. Business-grade firewalls specifically designed for professional environments are required to meet IRS Security Six requirements and provide adequate protection for client data.

Should tax practices use managed firewall services or self-manage?

The decision between managed Security Six firewall services and self-management depends on technical expertise, available time, and practice size. Managed firewall services provide professional configuration and monitoring, 24/7 security operations center oversight, automatic security updates and patches, compliance reporting and documentation, incident response capabilities, and predictable monthly costs. Self-management offers potentially lower costs, complete control over configurations, and no dependency on external providers. Most small and medium tax practices benefit significantly from managed services due to limited IT resources and the critical nature of security during tax season. Consider managed services as an investment in risk reduction rather than an expense—the cost of professional security management is minimal compared to breach consequences.

Take Action: Implement Your Security Six Firewall Today

Security Six firewall implementation represents a non-negotiable requirement for tax professionals in 2025. The combination of regulatory mandates, increasing cyber threats targeting financial services, and severe consequences of data breaches makes comprehensive firewall protection essential for practice survival and client trust.

The tax firms that thrive in today’s threat landscape are those that proactively implement robust security controls rather than reactively responding to breaches. A properly configured Security Six firewall serves as the foundation of your cybersecurity program, protecting client data, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enabling business continuity.

Discover how Bellator Cyber Guard provides enterprise-grade Security Six firewall protection specifically designed for tax professionals—with transparent pricing, ongoing management, and compliance documentation included.

Related Security Six Resources for Tax Professionals

Comprehensive cybersecurity requires implementing all six components of the IRS Security Six framework. Explore these related resources to build complete protection for your tax practice:

• Multi-Factor Authentication: Security Six Implementation Guide
• Backup Strategies: Security Six Requirements for Tax Professionals
• VPN Configuration: Security Six Standards for Remote Access
• Drive Encryption: Security Six Compliance for Tax Offices
• Antivirus Solutions: Security Six Requirements for Tax Preparers
• Complete Cybersecurity Guide for Tax Professionals
• FTC Safeguards Rule Compliance for Tax Preparers
• Incident Response Planning for Tax Professionals
• Written Information Security Plan (WISP) Templates