Anyone that’s ever lugged a box of files around understands the distinct advantages that digital data has over paper; but along with the efficiency and convenience of digital information comes new challenges to your law firm’s security-chief among them, unprecedented access to your confidential information.
Cybersecurity is the biggest issue that law firms face today. A single data breach can lead to business interruption, costly litigation, regulatory scrutiny, and (perhaps, most damaging) a loss of trust and goodwill with your clients.
Lucky for you, these consequences can be avoided by understanding the risks to your firm’s cybersecurity and how to combat them…or you could just email your entire case strategy to opposing counsel instead (JK!).
How do breaches happen?
1. Employee negligence:
This isn’t high school, and you can’t just expect the nerds with glasses (i.e., the IT department) to do all your cybersecurity homework. One of the main sources of cybersecurity breaches is you.
Lack of employee vigilance and archaic attitudes towards cybersecurity measures can lead to viruses, lost equipment, misuse of confidential info, and a whole lot of headaches for your firm.
2. Third-party theft:
Not to scare you, but sometimes the inside of your computer can be just as dangerous as the outside world. Law firms are harbingers of confidential information and, therefore, are often prime targets for cyber threats.
Highly sophisticated cybercriminals are running all kinds of scams (phishing, viruses, ransomware) for all sorts of reasons (personal gain, protest, boredom) against all-sized firms…and there’s nothing Batman can do to help you.
3. Unsecure data transfer:
This is a hybrid of the 2 above categories. When employees transfer information in an unsecure manner or through an unsecure channel, it’s not safe anymore. This information is at a higher risk of data leakage which creates a greater opportunity for cybercriminals who are looking to steal confidential client information.
How can you improve your cybersecurity measures?
Below we detail four cybersecurity best practices that are absolutely essential to any law firm’s successful cyber risk management plan. For a more granular take on how to prevent data breach in your firm, please re-read our blog on the subject data breach.
1. Encrypt your confidential information
If you’ve ever spoken to your sister in Pig Latin so your parents wouldn’t find out about that party, then you’ve used encryption.
Encryption is the process of taking readable text and making it look like gibberish to anyone that’s not supposed to see it. As a matter of strict policy, a law firm should encrypt all confidential information, or risk it getting into the wrong hands…and we promise, the consequences will be a lot worse than being grounded by your folks.
2. Use effective cloud-based legal technology
A robust personal injury case management software is one of the safest ways to ensure data protection of your firm’s confidential information.
CloudLex has top-notch cybersecurity precautions built into it; it requires strong passwords, automatically backs up your data, and uses secure servers hosted by Microsoft Azure…so you can remain vigilant, even when you forget to remain vigilant.
3. Avoid email when possible
Email is pervasive; but as anyone that’s ever looked in their spam folder can attest, it’s a dangerous place. When it comes to communicating securely, cloud-based solutions are far better options for top-notch information security.
With CloudLex, attorneys can engage with clients and colleagues in secure and encrypted fashion from the convenience of anywhere.
4. Backup your data regularly
Let’s face it: data breach happens. Despite your best efforts, even the most airtight of cybersecurity risk plans are susceptible to mistakes.
That’s why it’s important to back up your data routinely (preferably on the cloud, so you’re not at risk of lost or damaged equipment). Having a backup plan will save you from losing your data (and your mind) in the event of a breach.
Don’t let CloudLex be your backup plan. Sign up now for a demo and make us an integral part of your cybersecurity team. Anything else would be a breach of your responsibilities.
