Your outsourced Qualified Individual.
The FTC Safeguards Rule requires your business to designate a Qualified Individual to run its information security program. We take on that role, independently and with assessor-level rigor, so your program runs, gets documented and is ready if the FTC ever asks.
Prefer email? hello@designatedqi.com
If your business arranges financing or handles tax data, the rule applies
The FTC treats many businesses outside banking as "financial institutions." Here are the most common ones we work with.
Car dealerships
Any dealer that arranges financing or leasing, from single-location independents to multi-rooftop groups.
For dealers →Tax preparers and CPA firms
Your WISP isn't just an IRS expectation. It's a federal requirement, and it needs an owner.
For tax pros →Mortgage and finance companies
Mortgage brokers, lenders, finance companies, collection agencies and other non-bank financial businesses.
See who's covered →Your IT provider shouldn't grade its own work
Many IT companies offer to act as your QI while also running the systems the QI is supposed to oversee. The rule allows it, but it means no one independent is checking.
We don't sell IT services, so our only job is to give you an objective view of your security program. Keep your IT provider. We make sure the work gets done and gets documented.
Assessor background
Built on Payment Card Industry (PCI) security assessment experience: testing security controls and writing reports that hold up to auditors and regulators.
Documentation that stands up
Risk assessments, vendor reviews and annual reports written the way an examiner expects to read them.
Works with your IT team
We oversee and verify; your IT provider fixes. No turf wars, and no conflict of interest.
From "are we compliant?" to a program you can prove
Free consultation
By email or a short call, we learn how your business handles customer information and whether the small-business exemption applies.
Gap assessment
We compare what you have against every requirement in the rule and give you a prioritized plan.
Formal designation
You designate us as your QI in writing and name a senior manager to oversee us, as the rule requires.
Ongoing program
Regular check-ins, vendor reviews, test coordination and your annual report, all year.
Start free, then choose how much help you need
What you pay for the toolkit counts toward Program Setup.
Readiness Checklist
Free
See where you stand in 15 minutes.
Get the checklist → Do it yourselfDIY Toolkit
From $249
Templates and guidance to do it yourself.
See what's included → Done with youProgram Setup
From $2,500
We build your program with you.
See what's included → Done for youManaged QI
From $500/mo
We serve as your designated QI, all year.
See what's included →Just need staff training?
Security awareness training from $99 a year. Required by the Safeguards Rule for everyone who handles customer information. Video modules built for tax offices and dealerships, with a quiz, certificates and completion records.
Not sure where you stand?
Send us an email with a question or to set up a free 20-minute call, and we'll tell you which parts of the rule apply to you and what's missing. No obligation. Or start with the free checklist.