Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Law Firms in the Digital Age | Free Antivirus Software

If there is a place where cybersecurity is required, apart from government institutions, where confidential information is stored, it is in a law firm. Personal data, testimonials, official documents, or customer banking information are some of the most coveted items and therefore vulnerable to a cyber attack.

The information handled by a law firm, even when it is a small firm, has great value. Not only for the legal profession but also for the client and even for the competition. Publishing confidential information for various purposes, extortion or legally damaging the defense in a particular legal case can be some of the reasons that motivate a cyber attack.

Although the digital age in many cases facilitates the work of the professional and allows more information to be stored in a systematic way in databases, emails, or digital clouds, it also poses risks to face.

As we can see, the number of people involved and the serious repercussions that the leakage of information can entail, demands an efficient cybersecurity system capable of detecting and stopping any latent threat. In addition to exposing clients' privacy, compromising the legal cases that the firm represents, and violating the firm's ethics, a data breach can generate fines or consequences that compromise the integrity of the law firm.

Investing in a security system with the possibility of constant updating is a requirement for the effective and safe operation of a law firm. Similarly, your application must contain the implementation of clear policies for all employees who handle confidential data. At least a free antivirus software needs to be installed to provide basic security.

Safe Steps in Cybersecurity, How to Reduce the Threat?

Safety depends on expert hands. Therefore, the first step to follow is to hire the services of a trained IT team to install a suitable system and monitor any possible threats that may arise. The specialists in the IT area are the only competent professionals to keep the information and the internal network of the legal company safe. This long-term investment will avoid risks and safeguard the reputation and reliability of the firm.

Although perfect security does not exist, it is possible to reduce vulnerability. Taking into account the nature of each law firm, that is, the number of employees, the most appropriate type of information storage, the platform to use, and the security policies that govern the company.

The following recommendations will support the safeguarding of the information handled by the law firm:

Invest in an adequate cybersecurity system adapted to the needs of the firm. Consult with IT specialists about the advantages and disadvantages of purchased cybersecurity software.

Remember that the security of the firm depends on the company and its employees. Police officers have no interference in the prevention of this type of crime and could only intervene later to support the search for the perpetrators of the cyber attack.

As far as possible, it is necessary to ensure that the office has a local private server where the information is stored. Similarly, it is essential that the internal network has all the necessary IT security and privacy policies that prevent the intrusion and theft of private information about clients or legal cases.

Make a backup copy with all confidential or sensitive information, which must be housed in a separate space within the private local server.

Under no circumstances is it recommended to store this type of information on personal mobile devices susceptible to cyber attacks. Otherwise, it is advisable to use encrypted devices (owned by the firm) and with special protection measures.

In addition to taking care of the use of mobile devices, do not forget:

Design together with IT professionals an emergency protocol, to be used when the software security is compromised. In this case, it is important to designate people in charge of taking action, in order to stop the attack. And restore the system, safeguarding all the information as much as possible.

Frequently evaluate the use and potential of the chosen software against threats. Sometimes these tools require updates or adjustments to increase their capabilities.

Maintain levels of access to confidential information, depending on the skills of the staff working at the firm. This action allows you to limit access to the data if it does not need to be used by all professionals.

Inform and train the staff working in the firm on the security measures to be taken to protect confidential data. When hiring lawyers, the firm must guarantee training in this area. In order to reduce the targets through which the cyberattack can act. Likewise, it is important that constant training updates are made, in case changes are made to the system.

The use of the firm's social networks, if any, must be assigned to experts in the area. That they are also informed of the company's security policies. In addition, it is important that confidential information is not disseminated through these digital channels. Here are some suggestions for the proper management of digital services.

By last…

Answer these questions suggested by the article "Cybersecurity and best practices for lawyers." They can be very useful to strengthen the security of the system:

• How long has the firm been established?
• What type of platform will host the law firm's data?
• Who has or should have access to these platforms? How to ensure that only authorized personnel access encrypted information?
• How is the security performance of the system evaluated or audited?
• If there is a problem in the system, what is the IT team that will provide support to solve the situation?
• Is the confidential information kept in the firm backed up?
• Where are the firm's private servers located? Do authorized personnel have access to them?
• Is there an emergency protocol? Who is trained to execute it?