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Lawyers are regularly entrusted with sensitive information and material. That being said, one of the most important aspects of law is privacy and security. Clients expect their information, data, and documents to be protected at all times by the law firms they employ; If a law firm demonstrates that they can’t deliver secure legal services, then they can’t expect their clients to stick around for long.
With the advancement of technology being used more and more in business, the chances of a company experiencing a security breach at some point or another will continue to rise. In 2012, the FBI director, Robert Mueller, stated
“I am convinced that there are only two types of companies: those that have been hacked and those that will be. And even they are converging into one category: companies that have been hacked and will be hacked again.”
While Mueller’s statement applies to companies in all fields, it can be particularly true for law firms who often hold important and privileged data. This fact alone has deterred a large portion of law firms from utilizing otherwise helpful cloud software and services - and it continues to slow down the technological advancement of the legal industry.
When the ABA released its 2018 Legal Technology Survey Report, the results were unsettling within the legal community. When asked about security breaches, overall, 23% of those asked reported that their firm had experienced a security breach - a number that often increases as the years progress. When the ABA broke down cybersecurity breaches further by law firm size and lawyer count, however, the numbers become more concerning. Here’s an excerpt from the ABA’s article 2018 Cybersecurity:
“This year, the reported percentage of firms experiencing a breach generally increased with firm size, ranging from 14% of solos, 24% of firms with 2-9 attorneys, about 24% for firms with 2-9 and 10-49, 42% with 50-99, and about 31% with 100+. As noted above, this is for firms who have experienced a breach ever, not just in the past year.”
Judging by the numbers, there’s a fair chance that your law firm could experience a security breach at some point. Luckily, there are steps your legal firm can take to protect your most valuable asset - yours and your client’s information. With the advancement of software and technology, the security industry has continued to work diligently to keep up with the cybersecurity issues that present today. By remaining proactive with security efforts, and by utilizing the best technology tools available to you, you can actively reduce your chances of incurring a security breach. Our checklist below can help you implement the top technology cybersecurity best practices for your law firm:
Before you fully invest your time into managing your law firm’s tech security, allow a moment to take stock of your current situation. This is an excellent time to notate and consider areas that could pose security threats, such as:
Beginning the process by asking tough questions about your firm’s current security health is a great way to start; This can not only get you on the right track, but you may be surprised with some of the security issues that uncover themselves.
While security issues and cybersecurity dangers out there often don’t discriminate between businesses or business types, there are specific threats that law firms should individually pay attention to. Below are some examples of some key technology security threats you’ll want to consider:
Computer viruses can potentially do severe damage to company data and property by deleting memory, slowing down performance, damaging programs, reformatting your hard drive, deleting files, and more. Some viruses can damage your computers so thoroughly that it renders the equipment useless.
“The Panama Papers are 11.5 million leaked documents that detail financial and attorney-client information for more than 214,488 offshore entities. The documents, some dating back to the 1970s, were created by, and taken from, Panamanian law firm and corporate service provider Mossack Fonseca.”
While this may seem a tedious task, it is one of the most important - taking a thorough inventory of all hardware and software in use within your law firm. A detailed catalog should be made and maintained to do this effectively. Be sure to take note of and document the following:
Once you’ve completed this inventory, make a point to schedule regular updates of your records. Most likely, your firm will update various hardware and software items throughout the year. You’ll find maintaining technology security practices much easier when you’re working off an updated list of hardware and software.
Your firm’s files and data are the most valuable assets you have to protect. That being said, implementing and managing dependable security practices to protect your data is vital; You can do this in several ways:
If your law firm doesn’t already have a security plan, you should make one. Your plan will encompass much of what we’ve previously discussed above, and should be comprised of the following essentials:
While even the best-laid plans have the potential to offer top tech security for your law firm, if your attorneys and staff aren’t kept updated and adequately trained, your effort is practically useless. Not only should your employees be thoroughly trained to recognize potential threats, but they should also understand what to do and whom to go to should they incur a problem. Training in safe and secure internet usage is also important. Many companies and law firms choose to include their security plans, expectations, and protocols in an SOP (standard operating procedure) that is available to all employees for reference.
If you haven’t decided whether or not to hire professional IT services for your law firm, maintaining the best security practices could be an important factor for you. Professional IT individuals or companies will be well-informed on the current cyber threats your firm faces and what the best protection methods are. They can also help ensure regular security check-ups are conducted, and should a breach or issue arise; They can assist your law firm in quickly and effectively managing the problem.
For more information on hiring an IT company for your law firm, take a look at this article.
Many key factors comprise the elements needed for growth and success with your law firm - including the following of top tech security best practices for law firms. By creating a comprehensive security plan and implementing proper protocols, you’re helping to ensure the continued advancement of your law firm and client base. Consider the security steps you take one of the most important methods of defense you can place between your law firm and outside attacks and deterrents. By following the security checklist above, you’re helping to ensure the technological safety of your law firm.
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References
https://www.natlawreview.com/article/cybersecurity-best-practices-cyberattacks-against-law-firms
https://www.lawtechnologytoday.org/2019/07/four-ways-law-firms-can-safeguard-sensitive-client-data/
https://www.logicforce.com/2018/04/09/top-10-law-firm-cyber-security-threats-right-now/
https://www.itproportal.com/features/the-importance-of-maintaining-cyber-security-in-your-business/
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