Cyber Security Services for Law Firms
If there is one place where cybersecurity is required, apart from government institutions, where confidential information is stored, it is in a law firm. Personal data, testimonials, official documents, or banking information of clients are some of the most coveted items and therefore vulnerable to a cyberattack.
Even if it is a small firm, the information handled by a law firm is of great value. Not only for the legal profession but also for the client and even for the competition. Publishing confidential information for various purposes, extortion, or legally harming the defense in a particular legal case maybe some of the reasons that motivate a cyber-attack.
Although the digital era facilitates, in many cases, the work of the professional and allows to store of more information in a systematized way in databases, e-mails, or digital clouds, it also proposes risks to face.
As we can see, the number of people involved and the serious repercussions that the leakage of information can entail demand an efficient cybersecurity system capable of detecting and curbing any latent threat. In addition to exposing clients' privacy, compromising the firm's legal cases, and violating the firm's ethics, a data leak can generate fines or consequences that compromise the integrity of the law firm.
Investing in a security system with the possibility of constant updating is a requirement for a law firm's effective and secure operation. Likewise, its application must contain the implementation of clear policies for all employees handling confidential data.
Reducing Cyber Securit Threat in Law Firms
Security depends on expert hands. Therefore, the first step is to hire an IT team's services to install an adequate system and monitor the possible threats that may arise. IT specialists are the only competent professionals to keep the information and the law firm's internal network safe. This long-term investment will prevent risks and support the firm's reputation and reliability safe.
Although perfect security does not exist, it is possible to reduce vulnerability by considering each law firm's nature, i.e., the number of employees, the most appropriate type of information storage, the platform to be used, and the security policies that govern the company.
The following recommendations will support the safeguarding of the information handled by the law firm:
Invest in an adequate cybersecurity system tailored to the firm's needs. Consult with IT specialists on the advantages and disadvantages of the acquired software in charge of cybersecurity.
Remember that the firm's security depends on the company and its employees. Law enforcement officials have no role in preventing this type of crime and may only intervene later to support the search for the cyber-attack perpetrators.
If possible, the firm should ensure that it has a local private server where the information is hosted. Similarly, the internal network must have all the necessary security and privacy policies to prevent the intrusion and theft of personal information about clients or legal cases.
Make a backup copy of all confidential or sensitive information, which should be housed in a separate space within the local private server.
It is recommended to store this type of information on personal mobile devices susceptible to cyber-attacks under no circumstances. Otherwise, it is advisable to use encrypted devices (the firm's own) with special protection measures.
In addition to taking care of the use of mobile devices, do not forget:
Design together with IT professionals an emergency protocol to be used in the event of a software security breach. In this case, it is essential to designate people in charge of acting to stop the attack. And to restore the system, protecting as much as possible all the information.
Frequently evaluate the use and potential of the chosen software against threats. Sometimes these tools require updates or adjustments to increase their capabilities.
Maintain access to confidential information, depending on the skills of the personnel working in the firm. This action allows limiting access to data if it does not need to be used by all professionals.
Inform and train the firm's staff on the security measures to be taken to protect confidential data. When hiring lawyers, the firm should ensure training in this area. To reduce the targets where the cyber-attack can act. Similarly, constant training updates must be made to make changes to the system.
If any, the firm's social networks should be assigned to experts in the area. They should also be informed of the company's security policies. Besides, no confidential information must be disseminated through these digital channels.
Protect your software from cyber security threats
The way to protect the software used in the firm is to keep it constantly updated.
Among the most used software by lawyers is Lexnet, Abogest, Aranzadi Infolex, or Lex tools. When this software is outdated, it contains errors exploited by cybercriminals to access it and steal important information.
These attacks can cause significant losses for your firm as they can sell or publish your clients' confidential data or access their bank account or credit card numbers.
A software update was the origin of the cyber-attack suffered by a law firm in Panama that led to the Panama Papers publication. Many celebrities and influential people who had money or properties in tax havens appeared in the papers.
To protect your office's software, if you manage the computers yourself, it is advisable to install Windows Update to update the system automatically.
Lawyers are obligated to protect their clients' trust, and clients are beginning to demand that law firms have policies in place to ensure that client information is protected against cyber-attack.
Many law firms are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The costs to prevent and prepare for a cyber-attack are high, but law firms are beginning to realize the importance of cybersecurity to their clients and their reputation.
7 steps to prevent cyber security attacks in your law firm
Identify the firm's system that houses confidential data.
Segregate confidential data.
Limit access to personal data.
Encrypt all data.
Monitor who has access to personal data.
Train all lawyers and legal staff in cybersecurity practices.
Conduct periodic cybersecurity assessments.