Simple Security Tips To Protect Your Law Firm’s Confidential Data

Most law firms are beginning to recognize the importance of strong data security practices, especially as breaches have become more common in the past few years. Data loss and theft can lead to substantial financial penalties and reputational damage. It’s critical to implement proper security measures to avoid a potential data breach.

Cybercriminals are targeting law firms more than ever before. So what makes law firms so appealing to cybercriminals? Many store valuable data in unsecure locations, which makes them vulnerable to data theft.

The major threat to a law firm’s data security is an uneducated attorney who is unaware of how to handle technology. As an attorney you have a legal and ethical obligation to keep your clients’ information confidential.

So what can you do to protect this sensitive information? The first step is to educate yourself and your employees on the proper use of technology. The following are a few tips to share with them:

Passwords

• Avoid reusing passwords for multiple accounts.
• Change passwords on a regular basis.
• Use a strong password with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Change the defaults. The default user ID and passwords for software and/or hardware installations are well known by cybercriminals.
• Don’t share user IDs and passwords.
• Smartphones containing sensitive data should be locked with a secure passcode.

Security Training and Policies

• Don’t allow terminated employees to access your network.
• Create a social media and incident-response policy.
• Create a mobile-device policy.
• Provide ongoing security training for employees.

Encryption

• Online backup services should encrypt your data both while stored and in transit.
• Protect your laptops with whole-disk encryption. Many of the newer laptop models include built-in, whole-disk encryption.
• Use encryption in conjunction with biometric access.
• Use a VPN or encrypted connection for remote access.

Software/Hardware

• Use a firewall and anti-virus software.
• Always apply all critical patches and updates.
• Avoid using unsupported software.
• Store your server in a locked closet or room.
• Wipe data from equipment such as photocopiers, scanners, and printers, prior to disposing or recycling them.

To learn more about protecting your clients’ confidential data, give us a call or send us an email. We can help you to create up-to-date security policies and implement effective security solutions to keep your law firm, employees, and clients protected against cybercrime.