The Toothbrush Test: A Smart Cybersecurity Approach for Accountants
Are you getting the most out of your tech stack?
In today’s digital world, accounting firms rely on technology to drive efficiency and security. However, an excess of applications and overlapping tools can create vulnerabilities and financial waste. If you audit your software subscriptions right now, how many are genuinely essential, and how many are simply eating away at your budget?
The Toothbrush Test: A Smart Cybersecurity Approach
The “Toothbrush Test,” popularized by Larry Page, CEO of Google, is a strategic method to evaluate tech tools. According to the New York Times, a product must be “something you use once or twice a day” to prove its value. Applying this test helps accounting firms streamline tools, enhance cybersecurity, and eliminate unnecessary costs.
Applying the Toothbrush Test to Cybersecurity for Accountants
When reviewing software, consider:
- Do you use this tool every day?
- Is it a critical part of your cybersecurity measures or just an optional add-on?
- Does it protect sensitive client data effectively?
A marketing agency we partner with recently audited a Brisbane accounting firm and saved them over $40,000 annually. The firm was paying for multiple applications with overlapping functions, unused licenses, and abandoned tools. This is a common scenario that compromises cybersecurity and inflates costs.
Ask yourself:
- Are you truly leveraging your practice management software for data protection?
- Have you fully transitioned from outdated systems?
Optimizing Cybersecurity for Accounting Firms
A streamlined, optimized tech stack reduces security risks and boosts efficiency. Accounting firms should regularly audit software tools, ensure licenses are active, and assess tools’ cybersecurity impact. If we use tech in the correct way it can be a time saver and revolutionize a business, but frequently if not managed the correct way it can overwhelm team members and be a resource drain.
If you want to learn more on this topic and other relating to the success of a modern firm, we’re holding a webinar on the 13th February where we’ll discuss topics such as these.
