Think of cyber attacks, and the most likely victims that spring to mind are government-linked organisations or SaaS businesses. Yet there is another particularly vulnerable sector: legal firms.
As harborers of sensitive data and unique susceptibility to reputation tarnishing, owners of law firms should be incredibly proactive with cyber risks. Here’s why legal firms are so vulnerable to cyber threats and exactly how to prevent the risks.
1. Handling of Sensitive Client Data
Law firms see floods of sensitive client data – there’s no two ways about it. A single firm has clients’ personal details, case details, financial records, and valuable legal documents. It doesn’t take a genius to envision why a cyber attack could be catastrophic.
With such extensive handling of sensitive information, the risk of cyber-attacks increases tenfold. The potential repercussions are considerably larger when confidential data is at stake. Robust data protection is absolutely vital to dissuade cybercriminals, who have extra motivation to launch an advanced attack on firm systems.
Don’t just refer to the Cyber Governance Code of Practice. Simulate cyber attacks and invest in red teaming to spotlight any existing vulnerabilities. As any lawyer should know, it’s important to understand what cards your opponent could play.
2. Insider Threats and Human Error
Ultimately, the biggest issues are sometimes under your own nose. With burnout and long hours, staff working inside legal firms are particularly vulnerable to insider threats and human error. Net Documents has reported that 70% of data loss incidents in the UK’s legal sector are attributed to careless or malicious insiders.
Fortunately, this risk is easily mitigated. Regular staff training and restricted access controls can significantly minimise this risk. That said, AI can potentially worsen cyber attacks – humans, don’t beat yourselves up too badly.
3. Phishing and Business Email Compromise
The legal industry is reliant on lengthy email trails and unfamiliar senders. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that phishing and compromised emails are a big factor in heightened risk for legal firms. A simple misclick could facilitate unauthorised access or catastrophic, company-wide data breaches.
Employee awareness programs are non-negotiable, and advanced email security solutions should be implemented immediately.
4. Supply Chain Risks
Unfortunately, another vulnerability in legal firms comes from a common reliance on third-party vendors. It’s never wise to blindly outsource your cybersecurity — especially not to a relatively unknown third-party service. Always conduct thorough cybersecurity assessments of all partners and suppliers. Supply chain risks are a significant area of concern for legal firms in the UK.
5. Regulatory and Reputational Implications
In 2022, IRN Research found that while 97% of law firms consider cybersecurity a high priority, only 32% provide regular staff training. That is absolutely terrifying, especially considering the potential legal consequences and reputational damages incurred by a data breach. Companies aren’t just liable to be fined for GDPR failures; it could dissuade future clients.
Legal firms are understandably more vulnerable to cyber threats. Firm owners must invest in the best protective measures.