How Law Firms can Protect Highly Sensitive Data

Every law firm stores sensitive information about clients, employees and the firm itself.  Unfortunately, some law firms have antiquated digital safeguards that put highly sensitive data at risk.  Let’s take a look at some tips that will help your law firm protect important data against hacks, theft and other forms of unauthorized access.

Train Your Team on Data Security

It is a mistake to assume every single employee understands the nuances of digital security.  In fact, some employees have no data security or cyber security training at all.  You can transform these weak links into strengths by providing your team with annual digital security training.  Staffers should know about ransomware, phishing, malware and other digital traps.  This heightened awareness just might prevent a costly data breach that damages your firm’s reputation and sends clients to competing attorneys.

Use Managed Security Solutions

Every law firm should have managed security solutions.  These solutions include spam filters, firewalls and anti-virus software.  The network should be monitored 24/7.  Network traffic and data should be regularly scanned for threats.

Organize Data Storage

It is impossible to protect client data if you do not know its location.  The cloud now allows users to store client data in several locations.  Storage methods include Google Drive and Microsoft’s SharePoint, each of which is extremely easy to use and implement across the entirety of the firm.  Once everyone is working within a single structure, it is easier to obtain and systematize information.  The icing on the cake is that only one system has to be monitored for breaches and updated with the latest digital security improvements.

Your Response Plan Should be Prepared and Ready to Go

Law firms need detailed data protection and data recovery plans in place.  This plan should be prepared well in advance to reduce the amount of time necessary to remedy the breach.  The response time must also include a PR strategy that minimizes the hit to your firm’s reputation.  After all, law firms have a duty of care to safeguard client data at all times.  The American Bar Association (ABA) code of conduct mandates attorneys make all reasonable efforts to prevent access or disclosure of client information to those without the proper authorization.  A single data breach has the potential to result in a harsh regulatory fine or even a malpractice lawsuit.