With technology constantly evolving, problems can arise if your law firm fails to keep pace with the changes. The consequences of antiquated technology can adversely impact a law firm’s bottom line in multiple ways, from inefficiency and security concerns to dissatisfied clients and staff. Here are five signs that your firm’s technology may need attention. 

Cybersecurity attacks are becoming more sophisticated and rampant, so it is vital for law firms to take necessary precautions. But cybersecurity is not just a management or IT issue. In fact, everyone at your firm who has a computer needs to play a role to ensure your firm’s systems and data remain secure. 

Small to midsize firms lack the resources of larger enterprises, but still have the enterprise-size IT needs and security requirements. Whether you’re a firm with a small in-house IT team or no IT team at all, everyone relies so heavily on technology that it is essential not to take any shortcuts. With limited resources, the best way for small to midsize enterprises (SMEs) to build, optimize, support, and defend their technology and infrastructure is by working with a Managed IT Service Provider (MSP). Here are 5 reasons to consider partnering with an MSP to ease the IT burdens your firm faces.

With cybersecurity incidents becoming more rampant, firms are realizing that it is no longer a matter of “if” your firm will be breached, but rather “when” it will occur. Cyber criminals are more sophisticated than ever, with new and evolving tactics employed to steal valuable business information. Of course, the first line of defense is proactive protection, but if those measures fail, how does your firm know what to do in the case of a cybersecurity incident? The best course of action is to have a strong cyber incident response plan.

Law firms are a prime target of cybersecurity attacks because they deal with confidential data, and many do not have the proper security protocols in place. An October 2020 report from the American Bar Association shows that the number of firms who experienced a security breach (such as a lost/stolen computer or smartphone, hacker, break-in, or website exploit) increased over the prior year: 29% of respondents compared to 26% in 2019. One of the most costly forms of a cybersecurity attack in terms of time and resources is ransomware. Let us explore what ransomware is and how to protect your firm.

Small to midsize law firms have been increasingly targeted for cyberattacks. Cybercriminals know that smaller companies are less likely than their larger counterparts to have sophisticated security protocols in place, and that law firm data is particularly valuable. The confidential nature of attorney-client relationships gives lawyers added motivation to pay a ransom to recover their sensitive data, which is not lost on bad actors. In fact, 24.9% of all ransomware attacks in 1Q 2021 targeted professional services firms, especially small and midsize law firms, according to Coveware. 

But despite the growing risk of cyberattacks, law firms continue to make critical mistakes that leave their systems vulnerable to breaches. Below are 5 common cybersecurity mistakes law firms make. 

Cybersecurity attacks continue to rise, and law firms of all sizes have become a prime target. According to Coveware, 24.9% of all ransomware attacks in Q1 2021 targeted professional services firms, especially small and midsize law firms. With the surge in cyberattacks, firms have begun to shift how their IT is managed, with an increase in the use of managed IT services versus in-house IT professionals.

We’ve talked a lot recently about the growing cybersecurity threats that small to midsize firms face as the sheer volume of attempted attacks grow in numbers and sophistication. It is important to make sure our systems are as safe and secure as possible. Here are 2 simple ways to get started: passwords and multi-factor authentication.