Cyber security isn’t only a problem for large organisations. Small businesses and law firms are not impervious to attacks, and it's more important than ever to take measures to protect yourself.
Now that many firms large and small have transitioned to hybrid work environments with staff split across locations, considering cyber security is essential.
This article discusses the basics of cyber security for small law firms looking to take steps in the right direction.
Virtually all organisations, including small law firms, must invest in cyber security systems. Cybercriminals have been known to target law firms because they deal with masses of information, much of it sensitive. This can include:
This information can be held ransom by cybercriminals, forcing even small firms to pay for its release. Below are three fundamentals that every small law firm should consider to protect vital information and reduce the risk of cyberattacks
A 2019 study conducted by Google showed that almost one-quarter of respondents admitted to using passwords like ‘123456’, ‘qwerty’ and ‘password’. Furthermore, 4 in 10 reported having been a victim of compromised online accounts.
If your firm isn’t protecting its information with password basics like two-factor authentication (2FA), password management tools like LastPass, and regularly scheduled password changes, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to join the masses of businesses affected by data loss every year.
If your firm is like most businesses, you may have a trail of old and non-functioning accounts in your wake as you test new platforms or staff move on to other roles. For example, you may have a redundant account created with accounting software, which still has sensitive information associated with it. Or perhaps a previous employee still has a work email address set up, or active logins to your other platforms.
Cyber attackers often exploit these old accounts, using them as a gateway to access currently active users. Take the time to delete old accounts for platforms you no longer use or staff who have moved on.
Software upgrades exist for a reason, and often they’re patching a security risk. Don’t kick the can down the road by continually clicking ‘Maybe Later’ on software upgrades - take a moment now to cover your bases so you’re not left vulnerable with technology platforms with security that looks like swiss cheese.
Generally, the cyber security idea surrounds three principles: confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
It's 2022, but data breaches and cyber-attacks continue to make headlines. Therefore, you must identify and monitor the unsafe hot spots in your business.
One of the key pieces to effective cyber security management is employee training. Cyber-attacks occur periodically, but you can counter them through better education. To successfully combat security threats, the first step is to understand the root of the problem and not blame anyone.
Promote the essence of self-education and inform your cyber security teams about the current threat. This way, everyone will be up-to-date with cyber security news. Also, make it clear to employees that they should report to their assigned supervisor if they find any cyber security risk or breach. Doing so will ensure better coordination and management of a threat.
Integrate cyber security into your organisation's orientation for all newcomers. Protecting the confidentiality and integrity of the information in your organisation is important.
To maintain secure information technology, you should review your IT policies periodically. This should go hand in hand with creating plans for addressing auditing concerns. In addition, you should designate staff to act as a resource for enhancing cyber security awareness in the workplace.
Give employees a chance to experiment with the actual situation of what they have been learning. The team can't perfect many cyber security habits without applying the concept into action and learning from mistakes. As a result, the employees will better understand how to recognise various cyber-attacks.
By developing your cyber security program, you will safeguard the future of your law firm and your clients.