Businesses utilize the internet in many different ways, from hosting an online store to cloud-based data storage. Cybercrime has also increased as a result of this.
Why is cybersecurity needed by law firms?
Protecting client information is among the most crucial aspects of working at a law firm. You should take precautions against a variety of cybersecurity threats that you might not be aware of.
What principal factor prevents law firms from addressing cybersecurity risks?
For a variety of reasons, law firms frequently become the target of cyberattacks. Attackers are aware that law firms frequently do not take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from cyberattacks. Additionally, law firms have access to and obtain a lot of the crucial data that would-be attackers are interested in.
What dangers to cybersecurity should I be aware of?
The following are the most typical forms of cybersecurity threats to law firms:
- Hacking of email accounts
- Phishing scams
- Ransomware
Phishing scams happen when a perpetrator sends phony emails or messages while posing as a reputable business to persuade a person to divulge personal information.
Emails sent between a law firm and its client that contain sensitive information run the risk of being compromised.
Law firms are at great risk from ransomware, especially those that store sensitive client data. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files and prevents access without a decryption key, which the attacker would provide for a fee. Ransomware can take many different forms. To operate, the malware must be installed on your device, which it typically does by clicking on phony links or email attachments.
Clients who believe their data wasn’t handled securely may file malpractice claims as a result of data leaks at a law firm. Additionally, it harms the company’s reputation and may even sour relations with clients, even those who are unaffected. What you can do to keep both you and your clients safe is as follows:
Cyber Security Tips to Keep Your Law Firm Secure
Multi-Factor Authorization Enabled
In order to access various accounts, applications, or VPNs, the user must submit two or more verification factors using the Multi-Factor Authorization (MFA) authentication method. MFA demands additional authentication in addition to just entering a username and password, such as scanning a fingerprint or entering a pin on a phone app. You can make sure that only you have access to your client’s private data by turning on MFA.
Create Secure Passwords
Always. Are you using a password that is easy to guess, such as your daughter’s birthday or—please don’t use—”123456″? Do you consistently use the same password for logins? If so, you might be making it simple for hackers to target you.
Make stronger passwords: Choose complex, lengthy passwords for higher password security. Use a password management tool to simplify management of passwords and help ensure that they remain secure (don’t memorize or write them down, please don’t do this last one).
Apply strict password guidelines: Some legal technology software, like Clio, has password policy settings that ensure you use secure passwords and keep your passwords organized.
Frequently Backup Data
You can make sure your data is safe and secure even in unlikely circumstances by keeping backups on-site (hard drives or servers) and off-site (cloud backup). For instance, you can still access the data through the cloud if an accident happens. Strong encryption should be used to protect these backups, and they should be regularly checked. If you dont have the technical ability to do so, better hire IT consulting companies in Dallas or wherever suits you.
Protect Against Threats
Install hardware firewalls and antivirus programs on your network so that your computer has a background defense system. Your computer is constantly scanned by antivirus software for threats from things like web browsing and software downloads. If a problem is found, it will let you know and prevent you from accessing it. A hardware firewall establishes a network boundary that inspects both incoming and outgoing network traffic, including traffic from viruses trying to enter the system and data leaks.
Caution: BYOD
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies are risky if the proper security precautions are not taken, despite being advantageous in many ways. A specific BYOD policy should be in place at the company, outlining how the devices are to be used and giving the law firm complete control over the devices. The devices’ corporate data should be password- and encryption-protected. Additionally, law firms ought to set up mobile device management (MDM) software that allows them to remotely “wipe” an employee’s device in the event that the employee quits working for the firm. If a device does not already have remote location-tracking software installed, law firms may think about installing it.
Summary
In conclusion, law firms have legitimate and growing concerns about data security. Excellent data security is increasingly being used by clients as a selection factor for attorneys. Law firms are also required by a number of ethical and legal obligations to use reasonable efforts to secure sensitive data. Lack of such security could have detrimental legal, financial, and reputational repercussions. The initial step in lowering your risk of being hacked is putting cyber security procedures into place. However, hiring the best IT consulting firm in NYC is crucial to limiting your financial losses should the worst happen.