An accountancy firm should protect CCH and client data with encrypted backups that are isolated from your live systems and tested regularly, alongside proper backup of your Microsoft 365 data and a clear, written recovery plan. Your CCH database and client records are among your most valuable assets, and a backup you’ve never tested is just a hope, not a safeguard.
Data loss can come from a server fault, an accidental deletion, or ransomware, and any of them can stop client work in its tracks. Here’s how to make sure you can always recover quickly.
1. Back up the things that matter
That means your CCH database, your client files and documents (including FYI and INVU), and your Microsoft 365 data. Many firms assume Microsoft 365 is backed up for them; it isn’t, and protecting it against accidental deletion and account compromise is essential.
2. Keep backups isolated and encrypted
Backups need to be encrypted and kept somewhere ransomware can’t reach and encrypt along with your live data. Isolated, immutable copies are what let you recover after a serious attack rather than paying a ransom.
3. Test that they actually restore
The only backup that counts is one you’ve proven you can restore. Regular test restores confirm the backups work and tell you how long recovery takes, so there are no nasty surprises during a real incident.
4. Have a recovery plan
A simple, written plan covering who does what, what gets restored first, and how you keep working in the meantime turns a data-loss event from a crisis into a managed task. For a practice with deadlines, knowing you can be back up quickly is worth a great deal.
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 a London accountancy practice serving music and entertainment clients, this is part of managed IT and security that usually costs about £45 to £100 per user per month, scaling with headcount, your hosted desktop or CCH setup, and the security your high-profile clients expect.
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
Not sure your CCH and client data would survive a serious incident? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll test your backups and recovery plan.