Top 6 Cybersecurity Threats for Law Firms

With the sensitive data stored and communicated at law firms, it’s no wonder they’re often the target of cybersecurity threats.

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In the 2017 ABA Legal Technology Survey, it was released that 22% of law firms were hacked or experienced data breaches in 2017. This number was highest for small law firms with 10-49 lawyers, of which 35% experienced attacks, and medium-sized firms with 50-99 lawyers, of which 33% experienced hacks.

 

While not all of these attacks resulted in the misuse of client information, they pose a significant threat in unauthorized access to sensitive client data.

 

Most Common Cybersecurity Threats for Law Firms

 

Cybersecurity threats to law firms come in both direct and indirect attacks. While many of these can be prevented through network security software and internal safe-practice systems, many law firms have either outdated or unmanaged cyber security practices that leave them at increased risk.

 

Below are some of the most common cybersecurity threats experienced by law firms.

 

1 – Phishing Scams

cyber security threatens email in law firms.

Phishing scams continue to be prominent in the legal industry due to the amount of sensitive information passed through digital sources. For instance, a scammer may use a false email or spoof the email of a client, colleague, or another authority figure to direct a user to a phishing site impersonating a login, request sensitive information via email, impersonate an e-sign document, or any other creative means of manipulating the receiver to gain sensitive information.

 

The most important way a law firm can protect themselves and their information about this kind of attack is by using secure passwords, not reusing passwords on multiple platforms, and utilizing double-authentication. If you suspect you’ve been a victim of a phishing scam, it’s important for your network security provider to take action right away to prevent a data breach.

 

2 – Hacked Email Accounts

 

Email scams are trending toward more targeted, manipulative approaches that are personalized to end users. The law industry is especially susceptible to this type of attack due to the nature of client-attorney relationships and the transfer of sensitive information and/or payments.

 

A scammer may hack into an email account and sit in wait, watching and gleaning information about particular relationships before using that information to target specific contacts. They may use this information to request “retainers” from clients, request sensitive information, or otherwise risk the safety and privacy of your clients.

 

3 – Ransomware

 

While ransomware is becoming slightly less common in lieu of more modern and cloaked attacks such as cryptocurrency mining, ransomware still continues to be a cybersecurity threat, especially for companies such as law firms that host sensitive client information.

 

Ransomware comes in many shapes and sizes, but the general idea is that it is installed on your device—often by unintentionally clicking a malicious link or downloading an infected file—then uses scare tactics, threats, or holds your systems/files hostage until payment is received.

 

4 – Data Breach

cyber security threatens data for law firms.

Because law firms store and send sensitive data, they are at a higher-than-average risk for data leaks. They may be specifically targeted through malware, phishing attacks, hacks, or email spoofing to acquire sensitive client data or financial information.

 

Preventing data leaks takes a combination of user security policies and security tools. In the case of law firms, it’s prudent to also have network security components including access control, antivirus and antimalware, communication security, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and security information and event management (SIEM), to prevent data breaches and to handle breaches swiftly if they do occur.

 

5 – Malpractice Allegations

 

A law firm knows more than anyone the importance of crossing your t’s and dotting your I’s when it comes to protecting yourself from lawsuits. Because of the volatility in the cybersecurity landscape, taking precautions against data leaks or breaches is more important than ever. Class-action lawsuits and individual disputes have occurred when disgruntled clients feel like their data wasn’t treated securely.

 

6 – Increased Standards by Clients

 

With increasing cybersecurity breakdowns in the news, clients are becoming more and more sensitive to the protection of their information. Because of the confidential nature of much of the information stored and shared in law firms, this means many clients are on especially high alert regarding cybersecurity standards and practices.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Cybersecurity is not a one-and-done process, especially for law firms that store and communicate sensitive data. It requires adapting internal systems and securities to protect against the current cybersecurity landscape, and vigilant practices to detect and recover from breaches as quickly as possible.

 

Is your law firm protected against cybersecurity attacks? Schedule a free network security audit today and the Network Coverage team of security experts will analyze your existing systems, potential threats, and any existing network security systems you may have in place.

 

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Many people feel they have an understanding of “managed services,” but find they struggle when asked to define it. What, exactly, are “managed services” anyway? What does it mean to receive managed services, and what does a managed services provider (MSP) do for you?

What are Managed Services?

“Managed services” most commonly refer to an outsourced IT service provider overseeing and managing your IT solutions. IT solutions overseen and managed by a managed services provider (MSP) typically include networks and servers, software and technology infrastructures, data backup systems, and overall network security and risk management.

Outsourcing management of these systems through “managed services,” otherwise known as managed IT services, means you receive more extensive round-the-clock monitoring and support without the cost of a comparably-devoted internal hire.

 

What is Included in Managed Services?

Each managed services provider offers a different range of services, so it’s important to look over your agreement carefully to make sure you have an agreed-upon understanding of what is expected of your managed services expert. These services may include:

  • Network testing and monitoring
  • Overseeing network security & risk mitigation
  • Connectivity and bandwidth
  • Providing data storage
  • Managing installations and upgrades
  • Suggesting and implementing software patches
  • Providing web hosting
  • Network provisioning or virtualization
  • Performance monitoring and reporting
  • Providing help desk technical support

 

Why use Managed Services?

what are managed it services? a network coverage exploration

Managed services help to improve operations and cut expenses by offloading general management and monitoring duties from an in-house team to a better equipped external team.

Since it would be costly to hire an in-house individual for round-the-clock monitoring and systems supervision, managed services provide 24/7 IT system monitoring without the cost of a comparably-vigilant in-house hire.

It also improves security by taking the overall security of your network and data from the hands of a single person and putting it into the hands of an entire team with strict systems and protocols. While it’s easy for a single individual to let certain aspects of your IT security and monitoring fall through the cracks, a managed services company is specifically structured to oversee all aspects of your robust systems, monitor for potential or impending threats or malfunctions, and mitigating potential risks as quickly as possible—often before the risk becomes an actual problem.

It also frees up the time of your internal IT team. Monitoring and managing information technologies is time-consuming. Passing this portion of IT management on to an external team means your internal IT team can be more focused on day-to-day challenges and more strategic big picture thinking.

 

The Benefits of a Managed Service Provider (MSP)

The benefits of hiring a managed services provider range based on the actual professional you hire, but often include:what are managed it services? a network coverage exploration

  • Better cost efficiency. Receive round-the-clock monitoring without the cost of a 24/7 in-house team.
  • Greater expertise. Instead of relying on the knowledge of a handful of in-house individuals, you’re benefiting from the expertise of a robust outsourced managed services team.
  • Increased security. Using an outsourced managed services provider typically means a higher degree of security due to round-the-clock monitoring and preventing “putting all your eggs in one basket” with a single internal hire.
  • Predictable pricing. Emergency response purchases, such as those typically experienced by an in-house IT team undergoing unplanned or urgent IT repairs, almost always cost more than preparation and planned management by a managed services provider.
  • Reduced risk. With an external managed services team, you typically have a more well-versed team, better checks and balances, and more streamlined processes than you can see in an in-house team.
  • Detailed service agreements. Instead of a salaried in-house employee who is at the mercy of whatever emergency is loudest and most urgent, managed service providers have a detailed list of deliverables that are rarely—if ever—matched by a full-time employee.
  • After hours and holiday support. Just because your employees are gone for a weekend or holiday doesn’t mean your technology and servers are put on hold as well. A managed services provider provides 24/7 monitoring and support—even on weekends and holidays.
  • Higher standards of certification. Since managed services represent a host of technology vendors, they typically have to hold more up-to-date certifications in the constantly-evolving IT products and services than an in-house IT expert would require. This means more informed decisions and expertise.

 

Do Managed Services Include Design & Implementation of IT Services?

Some people wonder if managed services also means the design and implementation of IT services. While traditionally “managed services” has meant the management of already-implemented IT systems, some managed systems providers (MSPs) offer design and implementation services as well, serving as more of a one-stop-shop for IT service needs.

 

How can we Help?

Are you interested in learning more about managed services or would you like to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation? Let us know!

 

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