FreeprivacyToolsonline. (AICPA: Privacy Resource Center).

How SAFE IS YOUR DATA? As hacking incidents and identity theft continue to rise, consumers are growing more concerned about the security of the organizations they do business with. While all levels of management are ultimately responsible for their customers' privacy, many businesses are still leaving themselves vulnerable.

Addressing these concerns, the AICRA recently released a pamphlet titled "20 Questions Businesses Need to Ask About Privacy."

Sample questions include "Does your CPA firm provide privacy services that would add value to your business?," "How would your business benefit from a comprehensive, independent assessment of the risks, controls and business disclosures associated with personal information privacy?" and "Have you set specific privacy-related objectives?"

The AICRA also recently released guidelines for CPAs assisting health care providers in complying with the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPM requires most segments of the health care industry to take specific measures in ensuring the privacy of personal health information. The brochure includes a checklist of more than 50 questions CPAs should ask when assessing a health care providers preparedness.

Several other tools are being provided at the CPA2Biz Privacy Resource Center in the form of free PDF downloads. To view these, visit www.cpa2biz.com/ResourceCenters/Information+Security/Privacy/default. htm.