For any law firm, protecting its clients’ data is critical for its reputation and, consequently, its success and growth. When your customers entrust their personal information to you, you cannot take chances. Cyber security and protecting client data is one of the foremost priorities for any company, and especially a law firm.
Refer to our Cyber Security Guide for Law Firms to ensure that your client’s data is safe and secure with you.
ABC.. of Cyber Security for Law Firms
Audit, audit, audit:
From hardware, software, internal processes and tools, to databases and networks, carry out periodic audits – either through an internal team or by outsourcing to external auditors – to identify and eliminate threats and risks of data breaches. This will throw up various potential threats which can then be
Back up with technology:
Employ tech tools like multi-factor authentication, data encryption, SSL for internet data transfers, etc. for increased protection against data breaches, leaks and hacking attempts. Setting up network security monitoring tools, web vulnerability scanners, firewalls, antivirus tools etc. are just some of the measures you can take in this aspect. You might also include moves such as BYOD – Bring Your Own Device – for a lower exposure of company information to the outside world.
Check out your vendors:
In today’s day and age, working with vendors to whom work is outsourced is quite common. However, for the sake of the confidentiality of your clients, ensure that all your vendors are properly vetted and perform due diligence when partnering with them.
Determine government regulations:
Be informed about government regulations in your area that are in place to protect your clients and their data. Inability to comply with them could cost your firm thousands of dollars in penalties, payouts and other fees to contain the damage to your clientele and your reputation.
Enable your employees with training:
Periodically train employees on recognizing, avoiding and reporting risks such as phishing, social engineering, spam, password hacking etc. addressed. While it is a good idea to follow the principle of role-based authorization and least-privilege access, it is better to bolster that with awareness and support for the staff. This training should encourage familiarity of the staff with data security processes and rules.
Frame a crisis response plan:
Despite all precautions, cyber attacks can happen at any time. Rather than act reactively after an attack occurs, plan proactively for such a situation. Make sure you have put in place a well-defined response plan, with clear instructions on immediate steps to be followed. This will help contain the damage, and initiate recovery as quickly as possible and with as less damage as possible.
Law firms are attractive targets for cyber criminals. From selling client information online to third parties, to holding critical information hostage in return for ransoms, there could be many motivations. As the owner of your firm, it is up to you to create a strong framework of checks and balances to prevent, or at the very least, minimize liability to your firm due to these unfortunate malicious attacks.
At Philer, we help you safely store all your client information in one secure place, effortlessly. For more information on how we can empower law firms like yours to deliver a better client experience, please click here.