Mitigating cybersecurity risks for law firms
Cybersecurity · May 27, 2024
Like any other business, law firms rely on technology to help with communication, record-keeping, scheduling and the storage of data. Protecting clients' confidential information is one of the foremost responsibilities for any lawyer. Law firms often face elevated risks, influenced by the nature of their legal specialization, the sensitivity of the data they handle and the complexity of their network infrastructure.
Cybercriminals often use various tactics to break into a company's system, and those tactics evolve over time as hackers get more sophisticated. Relying only on antivirus or firewall won't have the same defence power as a multi-layered cybersecurity approach.
The most reliable way to help legal firms
effectively maintain cybersecurity
is by implementing measures that build a culture of best practices within the firm, such as strong password practices, regular cyber training, in combination with a range of carefully chosen technologies based on the firm’s needs. Here are some options to consider implementing to help protect law firms’ data from cyber threats: Antivirus software: Combined with a firewall to provide defence against malware, adware and spyware. Each of these cybercriminal methods has the potential to do great damage to internal processes and a firm’s reputation. The job of antivirus software is to spot, block and isolate intrusive, malicious applications so they can’t compromise the firm’s data.
Anti-spam: This is used as a measure to prevent and combat unsolicited or unwanted emails. It helps keep both dangerous and time-wasting messages out of users’ inboxes and it can help mitigate the threat of phishing emails, preventing the staff from being bothered with messages that are unrelated to their work.
Domain Name System (DNS) filtering: This technology works by intercepting website requests from devices on a network and directing them to a DNS filtering service or server. It can help keep the network safe and help maintain user compliance with pre-defined internet policies. If a website is deemed inappropriate or malicious, users will be redirected to a safe site that explains why the website can’t be accessed.
Multi-factor authentication: This security layer when added can help protect accounts by requiring the user to employ multiple methods to confirm that they are the rightful account owner, such as SMS verification where the user receives a one-time code via SMS on their registered mobile phone to complete the login process.
Data backup solution: It helps to have a safe copy of the data for quick recovery in instances of data loss, as well as an offsite
cloud-based
backup solution if the firm is hit with a critical disaster.Patch management: In many cases, computer programs could leave legal firms vulnerable to security breaches if they are not updated regularly. Patch management can help manage patches and updates to help protect the firm from possible cybercrime threats that exploit such vulnerabilities.
An additional layer of protection, to go alongside these technologies, that can help improve legal firm’s defences is
cybersecurity training
. Security awareness training helps employees learn how to recognize and avoid being victimized by phishing emails and scam websites. They can learn how to handle security incidents when they occur. If employees are informed about what to watch for, how to block attack attempts and where they can turn for help, a comprehensive training program will teach staff members how to handle a range of potential situations.IT support tailored for law firms
All the technologies and measures that can be implemented should have the proper support of an IT-managed service that can understand a law firm’s pain points.
Your managed IT partner
should also help ensure that all software applications are properly licensed and updated regularly to prevent security vulnerabilities. That's why a comprehensive IT security plan is critical for law firms to prevent cyberattacks and to protect their computer systems from ransomware, malware and other cyberattacks. An IT support partner for law firms
can help ensure that the client’s data is secure, which can also include managing hardware
to keep them up-to-date, maintaining servers, workstations, printers and other essential equipment.Another critical aspect of IT support for law firms is network management. This involves monitoring and maintaining the firm’s network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and firewalls. Data backup and recovery is also a measure that can help protect data against any loss and can help maintain business continuity in the event of a disaster.
The right cybersecurity measures and technologies can help law firms stay secure from cyber threats and help legal firms
become more productive
, by allowing lawyers to take on more billable hours, track finances, manage caseloads and much more.Download our latest cybersecurity guide
to get actionable strategies to help protect your firm, clients and staff against cyber threats. TELUS Business can help streamline critical and time-intensive responsibilities like monitoring, maintaining and securing technology so you can focus on your law practice. 
