{"id":2068,"date":"2025-04-05T13:21:52","date_gmt":"2025-04-05T17:21:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/?p=2068"},"modified":"2025-12-31T13:26:30","modified_gmt":"2025-12-31T18:26:30","slug":"what-is-a-wisp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/what-is-a-wisp\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a WISP? | Verito Technologies | 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-\"><span id=\"\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2069\" src=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Written-Information-Security-Plans-913417394-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Written Information Security Plan (WISP)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Written-Information-Security-Plans-913417394-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Written-Information-Security-Plans-913417394-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Written-Information-Security-Plans-913417394-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Written-Information-Security-Plans-913417394-380x214.jpg 380w, https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Written-Information-Security-Plans-913417394-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Written-Information-Security-Plans-913417394-1160x653.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Written-Information-Security-Plans-913417394.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-executive-summary\"><span id=\"executive-summary\">Executive Summary<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Data breaches in financial services cost an average of $5.9 million per incident, with tax and accounting firms facing even higher risks due to the sensitivity of client data <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/written-information-security-plans-for-firms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >[1]<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Federal law now requires every tax and accounting firm, regardless of size, to maintain a Written Information Security Plan (WISP) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/pub\/irs-pdf\/p5708.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[2]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcanopy.com\/blog\/what-is-a-wisp-for-accounting-and-how-to-get-one\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[3]<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-compliance can result in loss of credentials, regulatory penalties, and severe reputational damage <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/newsroom\/a-written-information-security-plan-protects-tax-pros-and-their-clients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[4]<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A robust WISP is not just a compliance checkbox\u2014it\u2019s a strategic asset that protects your clients, your reputation, and your business continuity <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/written-information-security-plans-for-firms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >[1]<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/Verito.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >Verito<\/a> delivers purpose-built, SOC 2-compliant cloud hosting and managed IT services to help firms implement and maintain effective WISPs <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/written-information-security-plans-for-firms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >[1]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-does-your-tax-or-accounting-firm-need-a-wisp\"><span id=\"why-does-your-tax-or-accounting-firm-need-a-wisp\">Why Does Your Tax or Accounting Firm Need a WISP?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-stakes-data-breaches-and-regulatory-pressure\"><span id=\"the-stakes-data-breaches-and-regulatory-pressure\">The Stakes: Data Breaches and Regulatory Pressure<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/it-support-for-accounting-firms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noreferrer noopener\">Tax and accounting firms<\/a> are prime targets for cybercriminals. The financial services sector saw average data breach costs reach $5.9 million in 2023, with tax professionals facing unique risks due to the volume and sensitivity of client data they manage <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/written-information-security-plans-for-firms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >[1]<\/a>. Regulatory bodies like the IRS, FTC, and state authorities now require every tax and accounting firm to maintain a Written Information Security Plan (WISP), regardless of firm size <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/pub\/irs-pdf\/p5708.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[2]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcanopy.com\/blog\/what-is-a-wisp-for-accounting-and-how-to-get-one\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[3]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What\u2019s at risk if you don\u2019t have a WISP?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Loss of PTIN credentials, which are required to practice as a tax professional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/newsroom\/a-written-information-security-plan-protects-tax-pros-and-their-clients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[4]<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regulatory penalties and potential legal action<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financial losses from data breaches, which average nearly $6 million per incident <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/pub\/irs-pdf\/p5708.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[2]<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reputational damage and loss of <a data-wpil-monitor-id=\"821\" href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/5-essential-data-security-protocols-every-accounting-firm-must-implement-in-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\">client trust<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Example: A small CPA firm without a WISP suffered a ransomware attack during tax season. The breach led to client attrition, regulatory fines, and months of operational disruption.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-written-information-security-plan-wisp\"><span id=\"what-is-a-written-information-security-plan-wisp\">What Is a Written Information Security Plan (WISP)?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/true-cost-of-irs-wisp-compliance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"827\">Written Information Security Plan<\/a> (WISP) is a comprehensive document that details how your firm protects sensitive information. The Federal Trade Commission defines it as a required written program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, protect against anticipated threats, and prevent unauthorized access <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/pub\/irs-pdf\/p5708.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[2]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcanopy.com\/blog\/what-is-a-wisp-for-accounting-and-how-to-get-one\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[3]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/tax-firm-it-management-compliance-security-and-performance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"832\">tax and accounting firms<\/a>, a WISP covers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a data-wpil-monitor-id=\"826\" href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/beyond-passwords-complete-client-data-security-for-accountants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\">Client financial information and tax<\/a> documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personally identifiable information (PII)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Administrative, technical, and physical safeguards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key regulatory requirements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Regulation<\/th><th>Requirement<\/th><th>Applies To<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/why-tax-professionals-need-software-specific-hosting-solutions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"834\">FTC Safeguards Rule<\/a><\/td><td>Requires a comprehensive <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/true-cost-of-irs-wisp-compliance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"825\">information security program<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/complete-it-management-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"831\">Tax preparation firms<\/a>, accounting firms, financial advisors<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>IRS Publication 4557<\/td><td>Provides guidance for <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/tax-firm-it-management-compliance-security-and-performance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"835\">safeguarding taxpayer data<\/a><\/td><td>Tax professionals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>State Data Protection Laws<\/td><td>Vary by state (e.g., NY SHIELD Act, CCPA)<\/td><td>Businesses with clients in those states<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The IRS enforces these requirements through Publication 4557 and Publication 5708, which provide step-by-step guidance for creating a WISP <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/pub\/irs-pdf\/p5708.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[2]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcanopy.com\/blog\/what-is-a-wisp-for-accounting-and-how-to-get-one\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[3]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-should-a-wisp-include-key-components-for-compliance-and-security\"><span id=\"what-should-a-wisp-include-key-components-for-compliance-and-security\">What Should a WISP Include? Key Components for Compliance and Security<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-risk-assessment\"><span id=\"1-risk-assessment\">1. Risk Assessment<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by identifying what sensitive information your firm collects, where it resides, and how it\u2019s protected. Evaluate current safeguards and identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. This assessment forms the foundation of your security program <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/written-information-security-plans-for-firms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >[1]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-administrative-safeguards\"><span id=\"2-administrative-safeguards\">2. Administrative Safeguards<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Security policies and procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a data-wpil-monitor-id=\"823\" href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/true-cost-of-irs-wisp-compliance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\">Employee training programs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access control policies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vendor management procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Incident response plans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regular <a data-wpil-monitor-id=\"837\" href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/risk-management-for-accountants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\">security assessments<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>For example, policies on client data retention and <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/specialized-cloud-hosting-solutions-for-tax-accounting-firms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"824\">secure communication protocols are essential for tax firms<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-technical-safeguards\"><span id=\"3-technical-safeguards\">3. Technical Safeguards<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encryption for data at rest and in transit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a data-wpil-monitor-id=\"828\" href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/cpa-firm-security-meeting-tax-accounting-compliance-head-on\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\">Secure authentication<\/a> methods (e.g., 2FA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Firewalls and intrusion detection systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Endpoint protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regular software updates and patch management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a data-wpil-monitor-id=\"920\" href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/taxwise-cloud-hosting-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\">Secure backup<\/a> solutions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Email security measures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of your safeguards, establish <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/managed-backup-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >managed backup and instant recovery<\/a> with clear restore objectives and routine validation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Encrypted client portals and secure document management systems are especially important for accounting and tax firms.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-physical-safeguards\"><span id=\"4-physical-safeguards\">4. Physical Safeguards<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Secure office access and restricted areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean desk policies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secure shredding and disposal of physical documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Locked filing cabinets and controlled access areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Device protection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Physical safeguards remain critical, even as firms move toward digital solutions.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-monitoring-and-testing\"><span id=\"5-monitoring-and-testing\">5. Monitoring and Testing<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Regular vulnerability scanning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Penetration testing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Log monitoring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a data-wpil-monitor-id=\"830\" href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/securing-your-firm-the-compliance-advantage-in-the-cloud-2026-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\">Security incident<\/a> tracking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compliance audits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Ongoing monitoring ensures your security measures remain effective as threats evolve.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-incident-response-plan\"><span id=\"6-incident-response-plan\">6. Incident Response Plan<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Roles and responsibilities during an incident<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Steps for containing and mitigating breaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communication protocols<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Documentation requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recovery procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Post-incident analysis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Include specific procedures for notifying affected clients and authorities like the IRS if tax data is compromised.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-build-and-maintain-a-wisp-practical-steps\"><span id=\"how-to-build-and-maintain-a-wisp-practical-steps\">How to Build and Maintain a WISP: Practical Steps<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-getting-started\"><span id=\"getting-started\">Getting Started<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Use templates<\/strong>: The IRS and FTC provide guidance documents and templates to help you get started <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/pub\/irs-pdf\/p5708.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[2]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcanopy.com\/blog\/what-is-a-wisp-for-accounting-and-how-to-get-one\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[3]<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Customize for your firm<\/strong>: Adapt templates to reflect your operations, client base, and technology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Involve key stakeholders<\/strong>: Security is everyone\u2019s responsibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consider expert assistance<\/strong>: Information security consultants can provide valuable guidance.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-making-it-effective\"><span id=\"making-it-effective\">Making It Effective<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Train your team on the <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"http:\/\/verito.com\/written-information-security-plan\" target=\"_blank\"  rel=\"dofollow noopener\" title=\"WISP\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1096\">WISP<\/a> and their roles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make the <a data-wpil-monitor-id=\"839\" href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/smart-it-management-what-top-tax-accounting-firms-do-differently\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\">plan accessible<\/a> to those who need it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review and <a data-wpil-monitor-id=\"829\" href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/true-cost-of-irs-wisp-compliance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\">update regularly as threats and regulations<\/a> change<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Test your safeguards to confirm they work as intended<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Document all security activities, training, incidents, and updates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-wisp-mistakes-to-avoid\"><span id=\"common-wisp-mistakes-to-avoid\">Common WISP Mistakes to Avoid<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Treating the WISP as a \u201cset and forget\u201d document<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overlooking third-party risks (e.g., software vendors)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focusing only on digital <a data-wpil-monitor-id=\"840\" href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/dedicated-cloud-server-for-cpa-firms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\">threats and ignoring physical security<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neglecting employee training<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making the plan too complex to follow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-verito-supports-your-wisp-and-security-goals\"><span id=\"how-verito-supports-your-wisp-and-security-goals\">How <a href=\"http:\/\/Verito.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >Verito<\/a> Supports Your WISP and Security Goals<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Verito specializes in secure cloud hosting and <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/managed-it-support\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noreferrer noopener\">managed IT services<\/a> designed for tax and accounting firms. Our solutions help you implement and maintain the technical safeguards required by your WISP, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/Verito.com\/veritspace\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" ><strong>VeritSpace<\/strong><\/a>: Dedicated private server hosting for <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/quickbooks-hosting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noreferrer noopener\">QuickBooks<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/drake-tax-software-hosting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noreferrer noopener\">Drake<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/lacerte-software-hosting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noreferrer noopener\">Lacerte<\/a>, and more, with 99.999% uptime, daily backups, 2FA, and secure remote access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/veritguard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" ><strong>VeritGuard<\/strong><\/a>: <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/securing-your-firm-the-compliance-advantage-in-the-cloud-2026-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noreferrer noopener\">Proactive managed IT services with 24\/7<\/a> U.S.-based support, threat monitoring, patch management, and built-in compliance with IRS and FTC standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/veritcomplete\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" ><strong>VeritComplete<\/strong>:<\/a> A fully integrated platform combining hosting and IT into one seamless service, with one bill and one support team.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why firms choose Verito:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Purpose-built for <a data-wpil-monitor-id=\"836\" href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/cloud-migration-for-tax-accounting-firms-a-strategic-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\">tax and accounting software<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SOC 2 Type II compliant infrastructure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transparent pricing with no surprise fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Live 24\/7 expert support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seamless, secure migrations\u2014often completed in under 72 hours<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>With <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >Verito<\/a>, your technology just works. Securely.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-comparison-wisp-implementation-approaches\"><span id=\"comparison-wisp-implementation-approaches\">Comparison: WISP Implementation Approaches<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Criteria<\/th><th>DIY Approach<\/th><th>Verito Solution (Managed)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Compliance Expertise<\/td><td>Requires in-house research<\/td><td>Built-in, IRS\/FTC-aligned<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Uptime Guarantee<\/td><td>Varies, often &lt;99%<\/td><td>99.999%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Security Monitoring<\/td><td>Manual or periodic<\/td><td>24\/7 proactive<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/securing-your-firm-the-compliance-advantage-in-the-cloud-2026-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow noopener\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"822\">Data Isolation<\/a><\/td><td>Shared or mixed environments<\/td><td>Dedicated, isolated servers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Support Response<\/td><td>Hours to days<\/td><td>Minutes, 24\/7 U.S.-based<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cost Predictability<\/td><td>Variable, hidden fees<\/td><td>Transparent, all-inclusive<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-takeaways\"><span id=\"key-takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Every tax and accounting firm is legally required to maintain a WISP <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/pub\/irs-pdf\/p5708.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[2]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcanopy.com\/blog\/what-is-a-wisp-for-accounting-and-how-to-get-one\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >[3]<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A WISP protects your clients, your reputation, and your business continuity <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/written-information-security-plans-for-firms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >[1]<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Effective WISPs include risk assessment, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, ongoing monitoring, and incident response planning <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/written-information-security-plans-for-firms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >[1]<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid common mistakes like neglecting third-party risks or treating your WISP as a static document.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/Verito.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >Verito<\/a> delivers purpose-built, compliant solutions to help you implement and maintain your WISP with confidence <a href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/written-information-security-plans-for-firms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >[1]<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ready to protect your firm and clients with a WISP that just works? Secure your data and compliance with <a href=\"http:\/\/Verito.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"dofollow\" >Verito\u2019s<\/a> dedicated cloud hosting and managed IT services. Contact us today or schedule a demo to see how we can help your firm stay secure, compliant, and focused on what matters most.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-citations\"><span id=\"citations\">Citations<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div>\n<div>[1] <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/newsroom\/a-written-information-security-plan-protects-tax-pros-and-their-clients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" >https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/newsroom\/a-written-information-security-plan-protects-tax-pros-and-their-clients<\/a><\/div>\n<div>[2] <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/pub\/irs-pdf\/p5708.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/pub\/irs-pdf\/p5708.pdf<\/a><\/div>\n<div>[3] <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcanopy.com\/blog\/what-is-a-wisp-for-accounting-and-how-to-get-one\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/www.getcanopy.com\/blog\/what-is-a-wisp-for-accounting-and-how-to-get-one<\/a><\/div>\n<div>[4] <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/newsroom\/a-written-information-security-plan-protects-tax-pros-and-their-clients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/newsroom\/a-written-information-security-plan-protects-tax-pros-and-their-clients<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Executive Summary Why Does Your Tax or Accounting Firm Need a WISP? The Stakes: Data Breaches and Regulatory&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[63,65,16,29],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2068","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-accounting-software-hosting","7":"category-application-hosting","8":"category-cloud-hosting","9":"category-tax-software-hosting"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is a WISP? | Verito Technologies | 2026 - Verito Technologies | Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover what a WISP is and how it can help your firm prevent costly data breaches in the financial sector.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/verito.com\/blog\/what-is-a-wisp\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is a WISP? 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