Enhanced Security Measures in QuickBooks Desktop 2024

3 min readNov 27, 2023

QuickBooks Desktop 2024 Includes New Security Features

Intuit’s popular QuickBooks Desktop accounting software is unveiling several new security enhancements in its QuickBooks Desktop 2024 release. These updates aim to better safeguard sensitive financial data against emerging cyber threats.

Upgraded Encryption Standards Implemented

QuickBooks Desktop 2024 now leverages 256-bit AES encryption for all stored data. This replaces the prior 128-bit standard. The stronger cipher suite prevents brute force attacks. Files stay encrypted while closed.

Advanced Monitoring Tools Added

New monitoring tools track login attempts and data access. Alerts notify administrators of suspicious activity. Detailed audit logs provide forensic data if a breach occurs.

Data Access Control Expanded

QuickBooks Desktop 2024 enables more granular control over data access. Specific employees can be restricted to certain features. For example, AP clerks may only require bill payment functionality. View, edit, and delete permissions can be set individually.

Enhanced Password Policies Available

Optional robust password policies ensure authorized access. Custom rules can enforce minimum lengths, special characters, expiration timeframes, and more. Multi-factor authentication adds another layer of verification for managing critical financials.

Improved Ransomware Detection Introduced

The latest QuickBooks release has ransomware detection built-in. Signs of encryption attempts trigger alerts. New file versioning enables quick rollback and recovery. System files are now monitored for tampering.

Updated Data Backup Options

Backup flexibility is enhanced in QuickBooks 2024. Cloud syncing with Google Drive or Dropbox is available. Automated daily local and offsite backups can be configured. With reliable backups, ransomware holds less risk.

PCI Compliance Assistance Included

Assisted tools help merchants achieve PCI compliance when processing customer credit cards in QuickBooks. Security policy templates streamline certification. Automated controls reduce scope.

Advanced Threat Protection Added

QuickBooks Desktop 2024 debuts advanced threat protection for subscribers. Predictive email and web filtering halts phishing attacks. Suspicious network activity triggers alerts. Potential malware is blocked via machine learning.

New Data Classification Features

Enhanced data classification separates sensitive customer info from public records for better visibility and control. Custom tags indicate private data. Usage reports highlight risk exposure.

Improved Audit Tracking Provided

Detailed tracking logs now record all financial audit activity in QuickBooks Desktop 2024. Critical transaction data like invoices and bills show who viewed, edited, deleted or printed them. Tamper-proof audit logs support compliance.

User Access Reviews Supported

Managing user authorizations is easier with access reviews. QuickBooks 2024 provides visibility into employee permissions. Certification workflows ensure access remains appropriate as staff changes.

Advanced PII Data Masking

Sensitive personally identifiable information can now be masked to reduce insider risk in QuickBooks Desktop 2024. Data patterns are detected and replaced with fake data that maintains referential integrity across financial records.

System Security Evaluations Added

New security evaluators assess an organization’s QuickBooks environment to identify vulnerabilities and recommend controls to reduce risk. Guidance tailors security measures to firm size, industry and risk tolerance.

The latest QuickBooks Desktop release focuses heavily on enhanced security to match the elevated threat landscape small businesses face. The improvements aim to better safeguard sensitive financial information and reduce cyber risk.