Application allowlisting protects an accountancy practice by only letting approved software run on your machines and blocking everything else by default. Using a tool like ThreatLocker, that means ransomware, malware and unknown programs simply can’t execute, even if someone clicks the wrong thing. It’s one of the strongest, most practical protections a practice with sensitive client data can have.
Most security works by trying to spot bad software. Allowlisting flips that around: instead of guessing what’s dangerous, it only permits what you’ve approved. Here’s why that matters for an accountancy firm.
1. It blocks ransomware before it runs
Ransomware has to run a program to encrypt your files. If only approved software is allowed, the ransomware never gets to start. That’s a far stronger position than relying only on detection, which can miss brand-new threats.
2. It stops the wrong click turning into a disaster
Even well-trained people occasionally click a bad link or attachment. With allowlisting in place, a mistake is far less likely to turn into an incident, because the malicious program can’t execute on the device.
3. It keeps your machines clean
Allowlisting also stops unwanted or unapproved software creeping onto work machines, which keeps your devices consistent, secure and easier to support. You decide what runs on your practice’s computers, not whoever happens to download something.
4. It’s managed, not a burden
The worry with allowlisting is that it gets in the way. Done properly, it doesn’t. We manage the approved list for you, so your normal software, including CCH, payroll, QuickBooks and your document management, runs smoothly while everything else stays blocked.
A real example: a London music accountancy firm
We support a London music and entertainment accountancy firm whose whole team works securely from home with no disruption, running CCH, document management (FYI and INVU), QuickBooks and payroll software day to day. Security is layered with ThreatLocker application allowlisting, access restricted by location, managed email filtering and proactive patching, so the practice stays focused on a busy, growing client book instead of on IT. When something does come up, it’s resolved on a single phone call.
For most music and entertainment accountancy firms, this sits within fully managed IT at about £45 to £100 per user per month, billed per user, with secure remote access and the protection client data needs built in.
Why London music accountancy firms choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002, including London music and entertainment accountancy firms, and we know the software your practice runs every day: CCH, QuickBooks, payroll software (including QTAC), and document management with FYI and INVU. Our credentials include:
- Cyber Essentials Certified
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Gold)
- NCSC Assured Service Provider (Cyber Advisor for Cyber Essentials)
- Microsoft Partner
- Crown Commercial Service Supplier (G-Cloud)
- Quality Principles Certified
We look after more than 2,000 endpoints across 50 companies, we’ve been named a Top 50 UK MSP for three years running, and we support practices across Essex, Hertfordshire and London, including Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford.
Book a free IT and cyber security review
Want ransomware blocked before it can run? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll show you how allowlisting protects your practice.