Since the full coming into force of Law 25 in Quebec, the protection of personal information is no longer a simple recommendation: it is a strict legal obligation for all businesses, regardless of size.

For an entrepreneur, accounting is the "safe deposit box" of the company. But if that safe is digital, is it truly secure? A privacy breach can not only result in hefty fines, but also undermine the trust of your clients and partners.

1. Law 25: What the leader needs to know in 2026

The law now requires the appointment of a Personal Information Protection Officer. By default, this responsibility falls to the company's highest-ranking executive.

• The data inventory: You must know exactly where your employees' records (SINs, void cheques), your clients' credit information, and your banking access are stored.

• The incident log: In the event of a data leak, you are required to notify the Commission d'accès à l'information (CAI) and the individuals concerned, under penalty of sanctions.

2. The 3 risk areas in your accounting department

Cybersecurity is not just an IT matter; it's a matter of financial processes:

1. Cloud accounting software: Tools like QuickBooks Online or Xero are secure, but their weak link remains your password. Two-factor authentication (MFA) is now the minimum standard required by insurers.

   
   

2. Document exchange by email: Sending a financial statement or a T4 by unencrypted email is a practice to be avoided. We recommend using secure client portals.

   
   

3. Remote work: An employee who accesses accounting via public Wi-Fi or an unprotected home computer creates a direct breach in your finances.

3. The penalties: A major financial risk

Quebec has followed international standards (such as the GDPR in Europe). Administrative fines can reach:

• 10 million dollars or 2% of worldwide revenue (for minor offenses).

• Up to 25 million dollars or 4% of revenue (for serious cases).

Beyond the fine, it is the cost of crisis management and rising insurance premiums that can strangle an SME.

Your CPA's advice: « Compliance with Law 25 should not be seen as a bureaucratic burden, but as an opportunity to modernize your processes. A well-protected accounting system is an asset that gains value in the event of a future sale of your business. »

How does our firm support you?

We do not replace your IT experts, but we work with them to audit your internal controls. We ensure that your financial flows follow best practices in data governance.