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CPA Firm — Case Study

Securing Three Decades of CPA Excellence Against Modern Cyber Threats

How Capital Cyber transformed a hesitant first conversation into a comprehensive cybersecurity program protecting one of New Jersey's most respected accounting practices.

August 31, 2021 New Jersey & New York 30+ Years CPA Practice
01
The Firm

Three Decades of Trusted Accounting Expertise

With over 30 years of expertise in accounting and taxation, John Geantasio is a licensed CPA in both New Jersey and New York. As a distinguished member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, John brings a depth of knowledge that few in the industry can match.

A graduate of Siena College, John began his career as an auditor with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance in Albany, NY. He later assumed supervisory roles at a CPA firm in Melville, NY, and as a manager at Citrin Cooperman and Company in New York City — specializing in individual and corporate tax planning, tax preparation, and audit representation.

Today, John E. Geantasio CPA LLC focuses on strategic tax planning, wealth creation strategies, outsourced CFO services, disaster relief consulting, and individual, business, and nonprofit tax services.

02
The Challenge

A Cybersecurity Crossroads for a Trusted Firm

When John was first introduced to a cybersecurity expert at Capital Cyber, he was hesitant — like many CPAs, he wasn't convinced his firm was at meaningful risk. But after agreeing to a third-party penetration test, the findings made one thing clear: even reputable firms have hidden vulnerabilities.

John understood that his firm safeguards highly sensitive financial and personal data — tax returns, SSNs, banking details, and confidential corporate records. A breach wouldn't just be costly; it would fundamentally erode the trust his clients had placed in him for decades.

Sensitive Client Data

Tax returns, SSNs, and financial records require the highest level of protection

Hidden Vulnerabilities

Penetration testing revealed gaps invisible from the inside

Evolving Threat Landscape

Ransomware and phishing attacks increasingly target accounting firms

Client Trust at Stake

A single breach could undermine three decades of professional reputation

03
The Solution

A Resilient, Tailored Cybersecurity Program

After a thorough readout meeting, John engaged Capital Cyber to remediate identified vulnerabilities and establish robust cyber practices. The collaboration produced an information security program tailored to the unique needs of John E. Geantasio CPA LLC — addressing both technical defenses and the human element of cybersecurity.

Ransomware Protection

Application Whitelisting

Employee Cybersecurity Training

Annual Third-Party Risk Assessment

Penetration Testing

04
Results & Impact

From Hesitation to Confident Cybersecurity Leadership

The collaboration with Capital Cyber empowered John E. Geantasio CPA LLC to establish a resilient cybersecurity framework. Today, John rests assured that his clients' sensitive information is well-protected and his firm is equipped to face the modern threat landscape.

By embracing ransomware protection, application whitelisting, continuous employee training, and regular third-party assessments, John has not only fortified his firm's defenses but also demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of data security — a competitive advantage in today's CPA marketplace.

30+
Years of Practice Protected
100%
Vulnerabilities Remediated
Annual
Third-Party Risk Assessments
Unlimited
Employee Training Access

Vulnerabilities Identified & Remediated

Initial penetration test exposed gaps; Capital Cyber resolved each one with targeted fixes

Ransomware Defenses Deployed

Advanced protection layered across endpoints to prevent malicious encryption attacks

Staff Trained & Vigilant

Unlimited cybersecurity awareness training keeps every team member alert to evolving threats

Continuous Improvement Locked In

Annual third-party risk assessments ensure the security program never stagnates

“The testing was so easy on my side, and the level of experience and service was exceptional. I am now a happy customer and feel more secure knowing my clients' data is protected by a team that truly understands what's at stake.”
JG
John E. Geantasio, CPA
Founder, John E. Geantasio CPA LLC
05
The Takeaway

Proactive Cybersecurity Is Now Table Stakes for CPAs

John Geantasio's story is a testament to the transformative impact of proactive cybersecurity in today's digital landscape. What started as a hesitant first meeting became a partnership that fortified a 30-year practice against threats that grow more sophisticated by the day.

For CPA firms, cybersecurity is no longer a back-office concern — it's a core business imperative. The right partner doesn't just deploy technology; they help you preserve the trust your clients have placed in you for years.

Protecting client data is your reputation.

Get a free penetration test and consultation. Discover hidden vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses, and demonstrate your commitment to client security.