Data security is a key concern for every industry and even private parties, but when it comes to law firms, you've got your work cut out for you. Here's a look at some of the biggest data and network security challenges plaguing your industry--and a few of the best solutions to keep up your sleeve.
Security for Law Firms: Why It Matters
Everyone knows that IT security is important for compliance and regulatory reasons--and that's plenty of motivation to get your security ducks in a row. However, with all that pressure, it's possible to overlook some of the equally important reasons to improve security for law firms:
- Protecting Your Reputation
Although just about every business relies on its reputation, that's especially true of law firms. Clients need to trust you and to know that you're capable, knowledgeable, and savvy enough to navigate the legal and technological landscapes. Naturally, suffering a security breach can erode that trust.
- Enabling Real Efficiency
When your teams are constantly worried about clicking the wrong link or fighting with inefficient data defense protocols that hurt more than they help, no actual work can get done. That's why security for law firms must be as smart as it is effective--or efficiency will go down the drain.
- Staying Competitive
According to a survey by the American Bar Association, 27% of law firms reported experiencing a security breach in 2021--and as cybercriminals get smarter, that number is likely to go up. This means one thing: If you want to stay competitive, you need to keep your law firm out of that percentage.
Security for Law Firms: A Smart Approach
It's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of threats and problems out there. That's why your law firm needs a smart approach to data and network security--and that means addressing each problem with a targeted security solution.
Here are just a few examples:
Problem: Printer Vulnerabilities
Printers may not seem like your biggest problem, but they represent significant weaknesses in your law firm's network--if not properly protected, that is. While there's no need to get rid of printers entirely, it is critical to understand how hackers take advantage of these machines and what you can do to stay safe.
Solution: Printer Management helps you take control of your fleet, assess printer usage, monitor for red flags, and more. You'll identify and address vulnerabilities such as default passwords and unwiped hard drives.
Problem: The Wrong Expertise
Internal threats are often caused by well-meaning employees doing the wrong thing. If you rely on faulty expertise to answer questions, design security solutions, or even follow day-to-day protocols, you could run into plenty of legal trouble of your own.
Solution: A User Management Helpdesk provides 24/7 support to your entire business. From troubleshooting and everyday questions to tech setup and optimization, you'll have a team of IT professionals just a call away.
Problem: Inefficient Networks
Inefficient networks aren't just a frustration. They also introduce vulnerabilities--especially if your teams use a variety of devices to access, edit, and share sensitive legal data. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to see where these vulnerabilities exist or how to address them.
Solution: Network Support helps design a stronger, smarter network from the ground up. You won't just enjoy better security; you'll also see efficiency improvements for your teams.
Problem: Flawed Responses
From the smallest red flag to the biggest data disaster, data security for law firms requires a solid response. If you haven't created and optimized your responses, you'll be on the back foot if anything should happen.
Solution: Backup and Disaster Recovery help you prepare for the worst and understand what to do in case of disaster--or even in case of a small security question or issue.
Conclusion
Data and network security for law firms isn't getting any easier--but you don't have to keep feeling overwhelmed. Instead of focusing on what might happen if you drop the ball, think about ways to identify specific problems and respond with equally specific solutions.
Contact us today to learn how our IT experts enable security for law firms like yours.
