Vulnerable Small Business Makes Big $500k Saving

Case Study: How We Saved a Tax Firm $500K in 9 Months

Client: Ginnett Zabala, LLC Industry: Finance and CPA Services Location: Paulding County, Georgia

Website: https://gzabala.com/

Challenge

Ginnett Zabala, LLC, a growing finance and CPA firm, encountered several challenges as it sought to modernize its IT infrastructure:

• High Initial IT Infrastructure Costs: The firm was originally quoted over $12,000 for a traditional physical IT setup, which exceeded their budget.

• Need for Secure Remote Access: The expansion of the firm required employees to securely access sensitive financial data from remote locations.

• Data Protection and Compliance: As a financial firm, it was crucial to meet stringent compliance regulations, including GLBA and FTC Safeguards Rule.

Solution Provided by Datafying Tech Services

1. Cloud Server Implementation

We deployed a scalable and secure cloud-based server infrastructure, which eliminated the need for expensive physical hardware. This setup not only reduced upfront costs but also allowed for seamless, automatic updates and patches, ensuring the firm’s operations remained secure and compliant.

2. Advanced Security Measures

Our solution prioritized data security with the following measures:

• Firewall and Protection Platforms: Implemented robust physical and virtual firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), and Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) to safeguard against external threats.

• Data Encryption and Protection: Utilized AES-256 encryption to secure all data, both in transit and at rest.

• Zero Trust Security Model: Adopted a Zero Trust model to minimize unauthorized access risks across the organization.

• Anti-malware and Custom Policies: Deployed advanced anti-malware solutions complemented by custom security policies tailored to Ginnett Zabala’s specific needs, effectively mitigating threats.

• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Implemented EDR to actively monitor and respond to threats across all devices, preventing breaches in real-time and neutralizing attacks before they could cause damage.

• Secure Remote Access: Implemented a secure access system without VPN, utilizing Three-Factor Authentication (3FA) combined with an additional Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to access the system. This layered authentication process was further reinforced with Data Loss Prevention (DLP) measures to ensure comprehensive security.

3. Compliance and Regulatory Support

Guided the firm through the complexities of regulatory compliance, including:

• Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA): Ensured the confidentiality and integrity of client financial information.

• FTC Safeguards Rule: Developed and maintained a comprehensive information security program.

4. Ongoing Support and Maintenance

Through our Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) contract, we provided continuous 24/7 monitoring, automated patching, and proactive threat detection. Our automated systems ensured seamless maintenance during off-hours, minimizing disruption.

Results

Compliance Assistance:

✅ FTC Safeguards Rule

1. Significant Cost Savings

• Reduced Initial Investment: Delivered the entire solution at approximately $3,000, saving over $9,000 compared to traditional infrastructure costs.

• Regulatory Fine Savings: Saved the firm over $500,000 in regulatory fines by ensuring full compliance with industry standards such as GLBA and FTC Safeguards Rule.

• Attack Mitigation Savings: Prevented financial losses by blocking 25 malware and web attacks within the first 9 months, safeguarding the firm’s sensitive financial data and avoiding costs associated with data breaches and system downtimes.

2. Return on Investment (ROI)

• Cost vs. Savings: Here we will use an example cost of $1,000 per month, totaling $12,000 per year.

• Total Savings: We saved the firm over $500,000 in regulatory fines and $9,000 in infrastructure costs in 9 months, totaling $509,000 in savings.

• Conclusion: The ROI of approximately 4242% demonstrates the substantial financial benefits and value provided by Datafying Tech Services.

3. Enhanced Security and Compliance

• Threat Prevention: Blocked over 150 threats in 9 months, including web threats and malware actors, ensuring no incidents of data breaches or malware outbreaks.

• Protected Sensitive Financial Data: Strengthened the firm’s security posture, safeguarding client information against unauthorized access and cyber threats.

• Compliance Achieved: Successfully assisted the firm in meeting all regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

4. Improved Operational Efficiency

• Scalable Infrastructure: Provided a flexible IT environment scalable with the firm’s growth.

• Employee Productivity: Enabled secure remote access, allowing employees to work efficiently from any location.

5. Long-Term Partnership

• Ongoing Support: The MSSP contract ensured continuous support, proactive threat detection, and quick response to security incidents.

 

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