Comprehensive Security Audit Reveals Below-Average Cybersecurity Scores Among Greater Houston Area Accounting Firms

September 17, 2025 at 05:04 AM EDT

CinchOps Technology Solutions

CinchOps conducted a comprehensive cybersecurity assessment of over 730 accounting firm domains across the Greater Houston Area, revealing concerning security deficiencies. Only 32% achieved basic security standards while the audit found that 68% of firms scored C+ or below, with critical weaknesses in application security, DNS health, and network infrastructure with the risk of being exploited and potentially exposing sensitive client financial data.

HOUSTON, TX - September 17, 2025 - CinchOps, a leading managed services provider specializing in cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses, today announced the completion of a comprehensive security assessment covering over 730 accounting firm domains across the Greater Houston Area. The audit results show substantial security gaps that may risk the exposure of confidential client information and threaten business continuity.

Critical Findings Show Widespread Security Deficiencies

The extensive security analysis, conducted across multiple attack vectors, assigned an overall grade of C+ to the Houston accounting sector, indicating substantial room for improvement in digital security posture. The assessment evaluated firms on six key security metrics, revealing concerning patterns across the industry.

"These findings should serve as a wake-up call for accounting professionals who handle some of the most sensitive client financial information," said Shane Stevens, CEO at CinchOps. "The data shows that 68% of accounting firms in our area are operating with inadequate security configurations, potentially putting their clients' confidential information at serious risk."

Breakdown of Security Assessment Results:

The audit revealed varying levels of vulnerability across different security domains, with scores assigned on a 4-point scale where A=4 (excellent), B=3 (good), C=2 (adequate), and D=1 (poor):

Application Security (Grade: D+) – The most concerning finding, with firms averaging just 1.80 out of 4 points, exposing critical web application weaknesses that could lead to data breaches
DNS Health (Grade: D+) – The second most troubling area, with poor domain name system configurations averaging 1.89 points, creating potential entry points for cybercriminals
Network Security (Grade: D+) – Another significant concern, as firms averaged 1.99 out of 4 points, revealing potential widespread network infrastructure vulnerabilities
Social Engineering Resilience (Grade: C+) – Moderate protection against phishing and human-targeted attacks at 2.97 points
External Vulnerability Management (Grade: B+) – Good performance in addressing publicly visible security issues at 3.74 points
IP Reputation (Grade: B+) – The strongest performance area, with firms averaging 3.87 points in maintaining clean network reputations

Industry Distribution Reveals Significant Risk Disparity

The assessment found that only 32% of Houston area accounting firms achieved grades of B or higher, demonstrating basic security measures with areas for improvement. Most concerning, 68% of firms scored C+ or lower, representing hundreds of practices with inadequate security configurations and protections.

Regulatory and Business Implications

Given the sensitive nature of tax returns, financial statements, and business records handled by accounting firms, these security deficiencies pose significant risks beyond data breaches. Firms may face regulatory compliance issues, professional liability concerns, and potential loss of client trust.

The accounting industry has become an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals due to the valuable financial data these firms process, particularly during tax season when large volumes of personal and business information are handled.

Proactive Notification Initiative Launched

CinchOps has begun directly contacting the accounting firms included in the security audit to share their individual assessment results and provide guidance on addressing identified vulnerabilities. This proactive outreach is designed to help firms understand their specific security gaps and take immediate action to protect client data.

"We believe the accounting community deserves to understand their security posture," added Shane Stevens. "Rather than simply publishing aggregate data, we're committed to helping each firm improve their individual security stance through personalized recommendations and support."

About the Security Assessment Methodology

The comprehensive audit utilized industry-standard security scanning tools and methodologies to evaluate publicly accessible digital assets for each accounting firm. The assessment did not involve any unauthorized access to internal systems and was conducted using only publicly available information and standard security reconnaissance techniques.

About CinchOps

CinchOps is a Houston-based managed services provider specializing in cybersecurity, network security, and managed IT support for small and medium-sized businesses. With over three decades of combined experience in delivering complex IT systems, CinchOps provides comprehensive technology solutions including VOIP, SD-WAN implementation, and computer security solutions tailored specifically for small and medium-sized businesses.

The company utilizes advanced AI-powered threat detection and 24/7 security operations center monitoring to protect client systems and networks from evolving cyber threats. CinchOps' comprehensive managed services include endpoint detection and response (EDR), multi-factor authentication implementation, employee cybersecurity training, business continuity and disaster recovery, virtual Chief Technology Officer (vCTO) services, and business process automation designed to create multiple layers of protection for business-critical data.

CinchOps serves businesses throughout the Greater Houston Area and Katy, maintaining a five-star Google rating while offering managed IT support designed to help businesses maintain secure, efficient technology operations while focusing on their core business objectives.

Media Contact: Shane Stevens Phone: 281-269-6506 Email: info@cinchops.com Website: www.cinchops.com

Editor's Note: Individual firm assessment details are available to participating accounting practices upon request. Aggregate data and methodology details are available to qualified media representatives.

Media Contact
Company Name: CinchOps Technology Solutions
Contact Person: Shane Stevens
Email: Send Email
Phone: 281-269-6506
Address:2717 Commercial Center Blvd. Suite E200
City: Katy
State: TX
Country: United States
Website: www.cinchops.com

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Comprehensive Security Audit Reveals Below-Average Cybersecurity Scores Among Greater Houston Area Accounting Firms

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