One traditional snag of many CPA firms has been the transmission of raw data from the client, usually in the form of a QuickBooks, Peachtree, or Excel file, to the accountant. Difficulties arise in two areas: 1) Many clients are reluctant to send sensitive information via email, because of the lack of security. 2) Furthermore, many popular email services, such as AOL and Hotmail, will not accept files of such magnitude.

Both problems have been eliminated with Emochila’s Encrypted Client Access/File Exchange Portal. In security and efficiency this system is unparalleled in its ability to streamline interaction between the accountant and client.

In essence Emochila has given my site secure online folders, where each client is given his own space in which to store sensitive information under the care of 256-Bit SSL Encryption. These folders are personal online storage spaces for each client, giving you the ability to safely transmit sensitive information to me.

Encryption strength is measured in key length — number of bits in the key. To decipher an SSL communication, one needs to generate the correct decoding key. Mathematically speaking, 2ⁿ possible values exist for an n-bit key. Thus, 40-bit encryption involves 2⁴⁰ possible values, 128-bit encryption 2¹²⁸ combinations, and 256-bit keys involves a staggering 2²⁵⁶ possible combinations, rendering the encrypted data de facto impervious to intrusion. Even with a brute-force attack (the process of systematically trying all possible combinations until the right one is found) cracking a 256-bit encryption is computationally unfeasible.

Access is simple, you can log into the encrypted portal with a username and password (see above). I strongly recommend making your password at least 12 alpha/numeric with upper and lower case characters.

Once inside you have the option to:

1. Upload a file. I provide a 250MB of space for you to upload files or documents. Practical for any file format, large files like QuickBooks can be moved in seconds.

2. Download a file. Files placed in a specific client’s folder are easily downloaded onto the clients' computer as if they were moving them from a floppy disk. You may then open and edit the file.

3. Messaging. A message can be attached to every file in the file transfer system. This allows you to briefly explain the changes you have made, or in what way the file or document has relevance.

Every client receives his or her own secure online folder. You have access to the contents like tax returns, payroll tax returns, supporting tax records, escrows, etc. in your online file folder 24 hours a day. Think of the space you can free up in your home or office. The information on the file transfer system is continuously backed up and saved in two different locations – San Francisco and Portland, Oregon.

To get started, simply call me or send me an email.