Braintek
FTC Safeguards Rule Compliance
The updated FTC Safeguards Rule requires a wide range of businesses that handle customer financial information — not just banks — to implement a documented information security program. That includes many CPAs, financial advisors, auto dealers, and professional firms across Texas. Braintek helps these businesses understand their obligations and put the required controls in place.
Schedule a Discovery CallWhat's included
- Safeguards Rule gap assessment
- Written information security program
- Access controls, MFA, and encryption
- Risk assessment and monitoring
- Vendor and data-handling review
- Documentation for auditors and regulators
Who the Safeguards Rule actually covers
Most business owners assume "financial institution" means a bank — but the FTC defines it far more broadly. CPAs and accounting firms, financial advisors and planners, auto dealers, mortgage brokers, tax preparers, and many other professional firms that handle customer financial information are all on the hook. If you collect, store, or process sensitive customer financial data, there's a good chance the rule applies to you.
And it isn't a single checkbox. The rule requires a documented information security program with specific, named controls: a written plan, a qualified person accountable for it, a risk assessment, access controls and encryption, multi-factor authentication, ongoing monitoring, and oversight of the vendors who touch your data.
How Braintek makes it manageable
We turn the Safeguards Rule from a compliance worry into a handled, documented program — so it's covered and audit-ready rather than hanging over your head. We start with a gap assessment against each requirement, implement what's missing, and document everything. Because most of those controls overlap with simply running your IT well, compliance becomes a by-product of good security. It pairs directly with our cybersecurity services, free risk assessment, and IT for CPAs and financial firms.
Frequently asked questions
Does the FTC Safeguards Rule apply to my business?
It applies to many businesses that handle customer financial data — including CPAs, financial advisors, and other professional firms — not only traditional financial institutions. We will confirm whether you are covered.
What do we actually need to comply?
A documented security program with specific controls — risk assessment, access controls, encryption, MFA, monitoring, and a designated person accountable for it. We implement and document each requirement.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
The FTC can pursue enforcement actions and significant fines, and a data breach without a documented program exposes you to added regulatory and legal risk. Having the program in place is both the requirement and your protection.
How long does it take to get compliant?
It depends on your starting point. After the gap assessment we prioritize the highest-risk items first, so you make meaningful progress quickly and reach a documented, defensible program on a realistic timeline.
Ready for IT that just works?
Book a no-pressure discovery call. We'll review your setup and show you exactly where you stand.