Course Description
The course is intended primarily to help business executives and information systems/computer professionals protect the computer and the data from a wide variety of threats.  Security concerns have heightened in the recent years.  Weak computer security and lack of internal controls increases an organization's vulnerability. The major steps in understanding and managing computer security are discussed in this course, and helps business executives identify resources in their organizations that need to be protected.  

Field of Study    Information Technology
Level of Knowledge    Overview
Prerequisite    None
Advanced Preparation    None

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

·        Recognize importance of computer and data security techniques

·        Recognize and understand how different social engineering techniques can breach computer and data security

 Recognize methods to prevent social engineering fraud schemes

Revision Date: 7/19/23

Additional Contents : Complete, no additional material needed
Advance Preparation : None
Intended Participants : Any CPA looking to maintain or enhance their professional competence
Course Declaration : Participants must complete the final examination within one year of purchase. A minimum passing grade of 70% or better is required to receive CPE
Click here to view cancellation and record retention policies

The combination of growth in the commercial utilization of the Internet, the rapid changes in technology, and the complexity of management has expanded the scope of the duties of business managers.  This covers all aspects of electronic commerce: the Internet, advertising and marketing, and specific technologies. It also addresses steps to move business online, e-commerce strategies, and the concerns of business managers such as security issues.

Field of Study    Information Technology

Level of Knowledge        Overview

CPE        6

Prerequisite        None

Advanced Preparation   None

Revision Date:12/20/2023

Click Here For Courses Objectives

Additional Contents : Complete, no additional material needed
Advance Preparation : None
Intended Participants : Any CPA looking to maintain or enhance their professional competence
Course Declaration : Participants must complete the final examination within one year of purchase. A minimum passing grade of 70% or better is required to receive CPE
Click here to view cancellation and record retention policies

The malware and cybersecurity landscapes are constantly shifting in response to the actions of one another. On one side, cybersecurity experts are identifying, analyzing, and patching new forms of malware as consistently as possible so they can be detected by antivirus software and purged from infected systems before they can cause harm to their potential victims. On the other side, malware creators and cybercriminal organizations are constantly creating new malware, and altering old malware, to circumvent cybersecurity efforts and continue to infect as many computers as possible for a variety of purposes. This course will identify the overarching concepts that make up the current information security landscape. This course will provide an overview of the different types of malware that can infect a computer system as well as the different techniques used to conduct both phishing attacks and identity theft. This course will identify the general malware trends over the past several years and explain how the current malware landscape arrived at where it is today. Finally, this course will describe the most commonly seen pieces of malware from this year and provide both an in-depth explanation on how the malware operates and best practices to properly deal with each piece of malware.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify the importance of information security for CPAs and Tax Practitioners,

• Identify the different types of malware that can infect computer systems,

• Define the term “Phishing” and recognize how phishing occurs,

• Define the term “Identify Theft” and recognize how identify theft most commonly occurs,

• Identify the major malware events that have occurred in recent years, and

• Identify the operating processes and mitigation techniques for the most commonly seen malware programs of the current year.

CPE Credit: 6 CPE for CPAs and EAs

Level: Intermediate

Instructional Method: Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study: Information Technology

Program Prerequisites: None

Advanced Preparation: None

Revision Date: 4/17/2024

Additional Contents : Complete, no additional material needed
Advance Preparation : None
Intended Participants : Any CPA looking to maintain or enhance their professional competence
Course Declaration : Participants must complete the final examination within one year of purchase. A minimum passing grade of 70% or better is required to receive CPE
Click here to view cancellation and record retention policies

Introduction

Internal control requires that the information systems in a company are secure, reliable, and can be trusted. Cyberattacks and data breaches represent the greatest threat to most company’s today. Network security for internal control assurance is a course that will describe the importance of network security for all types of businesses and practices. This course will identify the vulnerabilities and define safeguards for computers, networks, networking components, software applications, and mobile devices. This course will describe the threats that can compromise the computers and company data such as viruses, trojans and phishing. This course will describe some simple steps that users can take to properly protect themselves from any threats that penetrate the network and protect confidential company data. Finally, this course will discuss how to create a data security plan and an information security risk management plan along with some recommendations and best-practices for keeping networks safe.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

•        Identify the importance of network security for CPAs and Tax Practitioners.

•        Identify what a network is along with the different components that make up a network.

•        Identify the different types of network security that contribute to a comprehensive information security protocol.

•        Define the term “identify theft” and recognize how identify theft most commonly occurs.

•        Recognize why CPAs and Tax Professionals are being targeted by cybercriminals.

•        Recognize the importance of encrypting client data.

•        Identify the importance of creating internal controls and a security plan to protect client data.

CPE Credit: 7 CPE for CPAs and EAs

Level: Intermediate

Instructional Method: Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study: Information Technology

Program Prerequisites: None

Advanced Preparation: None

Revision Date:  4/17/2024

Additional Contents : Complete, no additional material needed
Advance Preparation : None
Intended Participants : Any CPA looking to maintain or enhance their professional competence
Course Declaration : Participants must complete the final examination within one year of purchase. A minimum passing grade of 70% or better is required to receive CPE
Click here to view cancellation and record retention policies

Course Description:

All CPAs and Tax Practitioners deal with very sensitive client data. Cybercriminals are highly sophisticated, well-funded, and technologically adept at hacking computers and sealing information. CPAs and tax practitioners are some of their most highly desired targets. Cybercriminals desire the client data of all CPAs and tax practitioners. If these cybercriminals can successfully obtain the client information of CPAs and tax practitioners, they can file fraudulent tax returns for refunds or commit identify theft. As a result, all CPAs and tax practitioners must protect their client’s information by protecting their computers, networks and by taking some simple safety approaches. This course will define information security, describe the numerous types of threats that exist today and define how to protect your computer systems and networks to keep client data safe.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

Identify the importance of information security for CPAs and Tax Practitioners,

Define the term “identify theft” and recognize how identify theft most commonly occurs,

Recognize why CPAs and Tax Professionals are being targeted by cybercriminals,

Recognize the importance of encrypting client data,

Identify the importance of creating internal controls and a security plan to protect client data, and

Recognize the actions that must be taken in the event of a breach of sensitive client identity data.

CPE Credit: 6 CPE for CPAs and EAs

Level: Intermediate

Instructional Method: Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study: Information Technology

Program Prerequisites: None

Advanced Preparation: None

Revision Date: 4/17/2024

Additional Contents : Complete, no additional material needed
Advance Preparation : None
Intended Participants : Any CPA looking to maintain or enhance their professional competence
Course Declaration : Participants must complete the final examination within one year of purchase. A minimum passing grade of 70% or better is required to receive CPE
Click here to view cancellation and record retention policies

Course Description
Identity theft is a common type of fraud. Anyone can be targeted; from a household, business, to a nation. Identity theft impacts not just the victims, but their families, friends, employers, and the organizations involved. There is a need for better education and awareness regarding the threat of identity theft. This course explains what identity theft is and how federal laws protect victims of identity theft. It discusses how criminals steal identity and addresses common schemes they use. It also helps you recognize warning signs and identify methods that secure your identity. Finally, the course discusses how businesses and organizations protect personal information collected and respond to data breaches. Real-life cases and tips to protect yourself against identity theft are included as well.

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, you will be able to:
1.    Recognize legislation that protects identity theft victims
2.    Recognize how criminals commit acts of identity fraud
3.    Identify ways you can help prevent and detect identity theft
4.    Identify actions to take if you become a victim of identity theft
5.    Recognize how businesses and organizations protect personal information collected  


Field of Study:        Business Law
Level of Knowledge:    Overview
Prerequisite:          None
Advanced Preparation:  None

Revision Date: 2/28/2024

Additional Contents : Complete, no additional material needed
Advance Preparation : None
Intended Participants : Any CPA looking to maintain or enhance their professional competence
Course Declaration : Participants must complete the final examination within one year of purchase. A minimum passing grade of 70% or better is required to receive CPE
Click here to view cancellation and record retention policies

Please note this course is a chapter from the larger 8 credit course "AI Essentials for CPAs - Exploring Cutting Edge Technology" . You cannot get credit for both courses.


AI Series Module 2 – Considerations for Organizations When Adopting AI


Course Overview
This course provides an overview of some of the implementation strategies and considerations when integrating AI technologies within organizations.  It addresses how you can assess readiness for AI adoption as well as integrating AI into current workflows.  This course also addresses the importance of training and upskilling staff to effectively utilize AI tools and some of the common challenges and barriers to AI adoption.


Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
     Recognize readiness factors for AI adoption in organizations
     Identify steps for integrating AI into existing processes and workflows
     Recognize the importance of training and upskilling employees
     Identify common challenges and strategies for AI adoption in organizations

Revision Date: 3/27/24

Additional Contents : Complete, no additional material needed
Advance Preparation : None
Intended Participants : Any CPA looking to maintain or enhance their professional competence
Course Declaration : Participants must complete the final examination within one year of purchase. A minimum passing grade of 70% or better is required to receive CPE
Click here to view cancellation and record retention policies

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Please note this course is a chapter from the larger 8 credit course "AI Essentials for CPAs - Exploring Cutting Edge Technology" . You cannot get credit for both courses.

AI Series Module 5  Future Trends in AI & Software for CPAs

Course Overview
This course provides an overview of future trends in AI and software for CPAs.  This includes a discussion of technologies such as RPA, blockchain, as well as other technologies like quantum computing, edge computing, and decentralized AI.  This course also addresses the evolution of AI in accounting practices as well as how AI may impact jobs in the future.  This course concludes with a discussion of how potential legislation may impact the future of AI.

 
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
•    Recognize key technologies shaping the future of AI for CPAs, including RPA and blockchain
•    Identify the evolving role of AI in accounting practices and its impact on future job roles
•    Identify potential legislation impacting the adoption of AI in accounting and finance
•    Recognize the importance of understanding AI trends for CPAs to stay competitive

Revision Date: 3/27/24

Additional Contents : Complete, no additional material needed
Advance Preparation : None
Intended Participants : Any CPA looking to maintain or enhance their professional competence
Course Declaration : Participants must complete the final examination within one year of purchase. A minimum passing grade of 70% or better is required to receive CPE
Click here to view cancellation and record retention policies

Please note this course is a chapter from the larger 8 credit course "AI Essentials for CPAs - Exploring Cutting Edge Technology" . You cannot get credit for both courses.

AI Series Module 6– Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Course Overview
This course provides an overview of the basics of AI, including the key concepts related to AI such as machine learning, deep learning, and Natural Language Processing.  This course provides a discussion of how AI has evolved from its early beginnings.  This course also provides a discussion of how AI and automation can be used in the accounting profession.  

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
    Identify key concepts related to AI
    Recognize subsets of machine learning
    Identify key characteristics of deep learning
    Recognize how AI can be used in the accounting profession
 

Revision Date:3/27/2024

Additional Contents : Complete, no additional material needed
Advance Preparation : None
Intended Participants : Any CPA looking to maintain or enhance their professional competence
Course Declaration : Participants must complete the final examination within one year of purchase. A minimum passing grade of 70% or better is required to receive CPE
Click here to view cancellation and record retention policies

Accounting & Reporting for Crypto Assets

Course Overview
This course provides an overview of the accounting and financial reporting requirements with respect to crypto assets.  This includes a discussion of the types of assets that are within the scope of the guidance for crypto assets along with recognition, presentation, and disclosure requirements.  

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
* Recognize the criteria for determining what constitutes a crypto assets based on U.S. GAAP
* Identify the recognition requirements for crypto assets
* Recognize the way in which crypto assets are presented on an entity's financial statements
* Identify disclosure requirements with respect to crypto assets

Revision Date:3/27/24

Additional Contents : Complete, no additional material needed
Advance Preparation : None
Intended Participants : Any CPA looking to maintain or enhance their professional competence
Course Declaration : Participants must complete the final examination within one year of purchase. A minimum passing grade of 70% or better is required to receive CPE
Click here to view cancellation and record retention policies

Cybersecurity for Financial Professionals

Course Overview:

This course provides you with some of the essential knowledge and skills to protect sensitive financial data from cyber threats.  It covers the fundamentals of cybersecurity, detailing prevalent threats and their impact on individuals and organizations.  Throughout this course, you will learn best practices and tools for safeguarding data, including strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, encryption, secure communication, firewalls, and VPNs.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
•    Identify common cyber threats
•    Recognize key cybersecurity terminology and concepts
•    Identify best practices for safeguarding financial data
•    Recognize the importance of encryption, secure communication, and software updates
•    Identify the importance of firewalls
•    Recall the significance of data backup and recovery planning
•    Identify key cybersecurity tools and technologies

Introduction
Cybersecurity, also known as information technology security, refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.  These cyber-attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes.  As you likely already know, cybersecurity encompasses a variety of technologies, processes, and practices designed to safeguard all types of electronic devices.  This includes computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks.  
 

New Course:  6/7/24

Additional Contents : Complete, no additional material needed
Advance Preparation : None
Intended Participants : Any CPA looking to maintain or enhance their professional competence
Course Declaration : Participants must complete the final examination within one year of purchase. A minimum passing grade of 70% or better is required to receive CPE
Click here to view cancellation and record retention policies

Blockchain Essentials for CPAs: Core Principles and Uses

Course Overview
This course provides an overview of blockchain technology and some of its implications for the accounting profession. It covers the fundamentals of blockchain, its applications in accounting, and the potential benefits and challenges. The course is designed for CPAs and accounting professionals seeking to better understand blockchain technology and how it can be used to potentially enhance their accounting processes.  

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
•    Identify key components and concepts of blockchain technology
•    Recall steps in blockchain transactions and consensus mechanisms
•    Distinguish between blockchain and traditional databases
•    Recognize use cases of blockchain for CPAs

New Course 7/23/24

Additional Contents : Complete, no additional material needed
Advance Preparation : None
Intended Participants : Any CPA looking to maintain or enhance their professional competence
Course Declaration : Participants must complete the final examination within one year of purchase. A minimum passing grade of 70% or better is required to receive CPE
Click here to view cancelation and record retention policies