Are ALL of your team up to date on the latest threats?
We live in an era where data breaches are not just inconvenient but are massively time-consuming, costly and devastating to reputations. Cybersecurity has become a critical pillar for any business, especially for a law firm that deals with sensitive and confidential data, but it's not a set-and-forget!
Do you have the resources and technical expertise to understand and implement cybersecurity best practices in your firm?
This blog explores simple yet effective cybersecurity strategies that any law firm can implement to protect their data and their client's privacy.
Educate your team
Are you 'continually' educating your team about cybersecurity? Unless you continuously reinforce the cybersecurity message, chances are it isn't front of mind.
Educating your team about common cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and malware can be time-consuming, especially if you add in the new, ever-changing threats and techniques that are constantly evolving.
It is crucial for any law firm to have an ongoing program in place that helps its staff understand the foundational elements of cybersecurity. Regular, consistent cyber training sessions can significantly enhance your team's ability to identify suspicious activities and emails, which are often the frontline threats in cybersecurity breaches. You should aim for a training short training course at least once per month (preferably more). Online or in person both work and just 10 minutes training per month is enough .
Remember, human error can still compromise the most sophisticated security technology.
Implement strong access and authentication controls
One of the simplest yet most effective defences against cyber attacks is the use of strong, complex passwords combined with multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Law firms should enforce policies that require passwords to include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and they should be changed regularly. Just as important as a strong password, implementing MFA is a must have extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification beyond just the password.
Are you (or any of your team) using the same password for your email, practice management software, portals, social media, etc? How would you know?...
Regular vulnerability scans and updates
Regularly scheduled vulnerability scans and updates are imperative to stay ahead of potential cyber threats. These should check for vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure, including outdated software or unpatched systems. Regular updates to all software, especially security software, are crucial to protect against known exploits and vulnerabilities that hackers can target.
Backup everything
Regular and effective backups are key to recovering data in case the worst should occur. In the case of a ransomware attack where your files are encrypted, without a backup you are forced to pay the ransom with zero guarantee that the criminals will actually provide the decryption key. Just as important is to make sure that your backups are closely monitored. Backups aren't set and forget and can go wrong. Without a comprehensive monitoring and maintenance policy, you can't know for sure whether you are covered.
Develop a response plan in the event of a breach
Despite best efforts, the possibility of a data breach cannot be entirely eliminated. It's essential for law firms to have a robust incident response plan in place. This plan should outline clear steps to be taken in the event of a breach, including how to contain the breach, communicate with affected parties, and prevent future incidents. Does your notification process include informing your Law Society and Insurer? Who's job is it, and under what circumstances and timeframes? Regular training on this response plan can help minimize damage and restore trust more quickly should a breach occur.
Summary
Cybersecurity is not a one-time setup but a continuous process of education, implementation, and revision.
For law firms, where the stakes involve sensitive client information, adopting these best practices is not just about protecting data but also about preserving reputation and trust.
As cyber threats evolve, so too should the cybersecurity strategies of law firms. This can significantly enhance your resilience against cyber-attacks. Remember, effective cybersecurity is a blend of technology, processes, and, most importantly, people. 'Regular' updates, training, and vigilance create a robust defence against most common cyber threats.
The team at Sentian is ISO 27001 certified and here to help you navigate what can be a security minefield!
