Haleigh Duguay IT 200 Project One Technology Hardware and Software
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School
Southern New Hampshire University *
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Course
200
Subject
Information Systems
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
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5
Uploaded by MinisterDuckMaster1030
Project One Technology Hardware and Software
Haleigh Duguay
Cybersecurity, Southern New Hampshire University
IT 200: Fundamentals Info Technology
Dr. Howard Evans
November 26, 2023
The network model I created for this growing CPA firm consists of computers for each
employee, a fax machine, a printer, a switch, a wireless router, a firewall, and the public network.
Because it is rapidly growing, a switch would be the easiest way to connect multiple users and
devices on the network. The computers are backed up with cloud computing. Cloud computing
will make it easier to upgrade equipment and ensure accessibility to data. This type of storage
system is also beneficial for rapidly growing companies because it allows new computers to be
synced quickly and easily.
A PC, keyboard, monitor, mouse, printer, photocopier, fax machine, and ethernet cables
are required for all 3 employees of the firm. The CPA, tax specialist, and data-entry specialist
will all need computers and have optional access to printers, photocopiers, and fax machines for
convenience. Most tax forms are able to be filed online, but the clients typically request hard
copies via print or faxed over to them. Printers, computers, and fax machines can be connected to
the switch via ethernet cables or Wi-Fi connection.
The firm will also need to purchase certain software to ensure job functions can be
completed. Accounting software, such as Sage, will be useful for tracking expenses and other
tax-related information for clients. Antivirus software, such as Norton, should be installed on all
computers to prevent and detect viruses that could affect the integrity and accessibility of clients’
tax information. Microsoft office is essential to complete accounting functions within excel.
Microsoft office could also include email via outlook. CPAs commonly communicate with other
employees and customers via email. Because of the volume of clients, a reliable CRM is
essential. A CRM, such as TaxDome, can store customer data, assist with marketing and
analytics. CRMs allow administrators to access essential information in one convenient location.
Last, but not least, computers will need access to the World Wide Web. CPAs and all other
employees of the firm will need to use the web to do research and file taxes for their clients. A
software to access the web that I prefer is Google Chrome.
All employees will use the same security measures. The only difference in security
measures is the CPA will have admin access. First, the use of cookies will be disabled on Google
Chrome, with few exceptions. Cookies can be useful and required to be turned on, but it is best
to keep them disabled to maintain security of the confidential information. Pop-ups will also be
blocked to prevent any viruses popping up to infect the firm’s computers. If pop-ups need to be
enabled, the settings to have files automatically download will be turned off to prevent
installation of any files containing viruses or malware that could be used to hack or harm the
system. Additionally, the option to save usernames and passwords for websites will be disabled.
This may be inconvenient at times, but it is essential to maintain security. Logins to CRMs will
also require two-step authentication. This way, it is less likely for unauthorized users to gain
access to them. Lastly, a firewall will be used to encrypt confidential data to protect it from being
accessible by the public network.
The technology components chosen for their network are user friendly. Human-computer
interaction will remain positive because I have chosen the most well-known applications and
software within this profession. Research is important to stay up to date on relevant changes and
updates to technology that would benefit the firm. I did research on CRMs that are best suited for
accounting and tax firms.
A popular, cost-effective, and highly rated CRM is TaxDome.
TaxDome offers secure client communications, document management, e-signatures and
invoicing. This CRM also has a streamlined interface which can assign tasks to staff. Other
beneficial features include bulk email sending, tax organizers, data import, automatic reminders,
unlimited secure storage, a team-shared dashboard for updates, email syncing, and unlimited
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contacts. Subscriptions start at $50 a month (Hill, 2023). Upgrades to this CRM can be
purchased as the firm grows and needs more support. Without a reliable CRM system, there is no
business. CRMs are important for customer communication and make everyday tasks more
manageable.
It is my expert opinion that this network will best protect the CIA triad. The security
measures mentioned will give clients peace of mind that their data will never be accessed or
manipulated by unauthorized parties. When clients trust the firm with their tax documents and
finances, it is a great responsibility. This responsibility is taken seriously, and the company can
grow with minimal security concerns. When security concerns do arise, they will be taken care of
promptly to maintain the firm’s reputation.
References
Hill, P. (2023, October 26). 8 best CRMS for accountants, bookkeepers and tax professionals.
Blog. https://blog.taxdome.com/best-crm-for-tax-professionals/#taxdome