Cybersecurity is essential for lawyers who have ethics requirements to protect their client’s personal and confidential data. Data breaches or losses can cost lawyers both monetarily and career-wise.  Securing data is imperative in companies with case sensitive information, and certain cybersecurity tips can help lawyers protect their data and networks.

Access control

Access control is critical when you deal with as much sensitive and confidential information as lawyers on a daily basis. If the wrong person gets hold of information, it can affect the outcome of cases and possibly lead to disbarment proceedings.

No one should have complete access to all data and up-to-date logs and records should be kept showing who accesses data. It also limits the possibility of data leaks from those who should not have access to the content in the first place, and makes it easier to track down anyone who does manage to break into the system.

Encryption

All network communications should be encrypted, including wireless networks. Unless you are a skilled IT professional, you should probably hire a security expert to ensure that your network is properly configured and secured by encryption.  Clients expect lawyers to be able to protect their privacy and information, so sending any data unencrypted could have serious consequences for the law firm.

Mobile security

Mobile security is under high scrutinization right now as lost devices have actually surpassed hacking and malware as the number one cause of data breaches. If employees are allowed to access data on their mobile devices, such as on a BYOD plan, the devices should be secured so that if the device is lost, unauthorized users cannot access the data. Remote wipe is a feature that should be included as well, so that sensitive information can be securely deleted should an employee realize their device has been lost.

Data backup

Data backup is critical for legal professionals. It’s bad enough if data get stolen, lost or deleted, but if there are no backups of the data, you may find yourself in a serious situation. Important case evidence can be lost forever, contracts and other legal/financial documents will have to be re-created, photographs can disappear and much more. A solid cloud backup plan will ensure that your data is stored on a minimum of three servers, so that in a data loss event, you will have at least three copies of the data still available.

Anti-malware

Malware is one of the leading causes of data breaches and stolen information online. One reason is that most companies implement great antivirus, but don’t go any farther than that. You need a combination of antivirus, anti-malware, anti-spyware and anti-adware at the very least.

Malware usually tries to steal usernames, passwords, bank and credit card information, and other valuable information, then it send that information to the malicious attacker. Anti-malware tools will prevent malware from infecting the system, and if you go to a site infected with malware, it will prevent the site from using exploits to hack into your system.

Additional security

Enhanced security methods should always be used when applicable. For instance, two step verification should be required in order to access any account on the network. This ensures that even if account authentication information is stolen or hacked, the user will still have to have physical control over an employee’s mobile device in order to access the account. While this is still not 100% foolproof, it certainly adds an extra measure of security to the network and sensitive data contained within.

Using a password manager can be a great help. This allows you to create extremely sophisticated passwords for sites, and you will only need to remember one password in order to access them all. LastPass, RoboForm, Password Genie and Dashlane are examples of competent password managers that can be used to protect data.

Lock it down

While this is certainly not a comprehensive list, these tips can be used to enhance security and can possibly save future litigation or embarrassment. Keeping data secure will ensure that clients give you rave reviews to their friends (and online posts), and keeps your reputation as an honest, security-minded, legal professional intact.  For more information about how you can keep your information safe, contact Stratosphere Networks today at (877) 599-3999 or fill out our contact form.