Cybercrime - why accountants are first line of defence

With M&S in the headlines after a cyberattack, Jill Knesek, chief information security officer at BlackLine, looks at how finance and accountancy teams can protect their businesses against cybercrime

Cybercriminals aren’t just targeting IT teams anymore. Increasingly, finance and accountancy (F&A) professionals are finding themselves in the crosshairs. With financial fraud losses surpassing $500bn (£375bn) globally each year according to the Nasdaq Verafin 2024 report, the threat to financial operations is growing.

However, many finance professionals still see cybersecurity as a problem for IT rather than a core financial risk.

F&A teams play a critical role in protecting their businesses from cybercrime. They handle sensitive financial data, manage payments, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards – all of which make them prime targets for attackers.

Understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to mitigate them is essential for safeguarding a company’s financial health.

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