Cybersecurity for Law Firms

Why It's Different And How to Get It Right

Law firms are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, and it's no surprise why.

They handle sensitive, high-value information ranging from litigation strategies to client financials. But many small firms lack the internal IT infrastructure to defend against today's sophisticated threats.

Cybersecurity for law firms isn't just a technical challenge; it's a matter of professional responsibility and client trust.

In this post, we'll explain why law firms have unique security requirements, outline the most common risks, and share practical steps any firm can take to build a stronger security posture.

Why Law Firm Cybersecurity Is a Category of Its Own

Most small businesses worry about generic threats like malware or phishing. Law firms face those plus industry-specific challenges tied to ethics, compliance, and confidentiality.

Here's what sets legal IT security apart:

1. High-Value, Confidential Data

Lawyers store:

• Legal strategies
• Settlement details
• Personally identifiable information (PII)
• Medical records and financial files

These are prime targets for ransomware and espionage. A breach can violate attorney-client privilege and result in lawsuits or bar complaints.

2. Ethical and Regulatory Requirements

Attorneys are bound by professional conduct rules and compliance regulations that demand reasonable efforts to protect client data. ABA Formal Opinion 483 even requires firms to notify clients of breaches involving their information.

Plus, many firms must also comply with:

• FTC Safeguards Rule (if handling financial data)
• HIPAA (in healthcare-related matters)
• State-specific privacy laws (like California's CCPA)

3. Remote Work and Mobility

Today's legal professionals work from courtrooms, home offices, and client sites. Without the right protections, remote access becomes a vulnerability, especially on unsecured Wi-Fi or personal devices.

4. Targeted Attacks

Law firms are often targeted for:

• Wire fraud (e.g., real estate closing scams)
• Ransomware (extortion for urgent, sensitive data)
• Credential theft (to impersonate attorneys or gain access to client files)

Cybercriminals know that law firms are deadline-driven and reputation-sensitive, two pressures that make them more likely to pay or act quickly in an attack.

Top Cybersecurity Risks for Law Firms

Understanding the threat landscape is the first step to addressing it. The most common threats to law firms include:

• Phishing and Business Email Compromise (BEC): Hackers impersonate clients or colleagues to gain access or misdirect funds.
• Ransomware Attacks: Firms are locked out of their own data until a ransom is paid, often in cryptocurrency.
• Unsecured Remote Access: Laptops, home networks, or mobile apps without encryption leave entry points wide open.
• Weak Passwords or No MFA: A single compromised login can expose your entire client archive.
• Third-Party Risk: Vendors, including e-discovery and document storage providers, can introduce vulnerabilities.

Legal IT Security Best Practices for Small Firms

Even without a large IT department, law firms can implement powerful safeguards with the right approach. Here's where to start:

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Require MFA for all logins, especially for email, case management systems (like Clio), and cloud storage tools (like ShareFile).

2. Endpoint Protection

Use advanced antivirus and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor laptops and workstations for malicious activity.

3. Encrypted Communications

Ensure that all email and file sharing systems use end-to-end encryption, especially when transmitting contracts or court filings.

4. Access Controls

Use role-based permissions to limit who can view or change sensitive data. Offboard departing employees immediately and thoroughly.

5. Secure Remote Work Setups

Avoid personal devices and unvetted networks. Use VPN alternatives with cloud-native security or secure virtual desktops.

6. Employee Security Training

Run quarterly phishing simulations and offer training on spotting suspicious links, verifying requests, and using secure communication tools.

7. Data Backups and Recovery

Implement automatic, encrypted backups stored off-site or in the cloud. Test recovery procedures regularly, especially before litigation deadlines.

8. Incident Response Planning

Have a documented plan in place for what to do during a cyber event. Who will notify clients? How will data be recovered? Which regulators must be contacted?

Why One82 Is Trusted by Legal Firms Across the Bay Area

At One82, we understand that for law firms, cybersecurity is about more than compliance. It's about protecting relationships and reputations.

We specialize in providing tailored cybersecurity solutions for small firms that need:

• Tools and protocols aligned with legal workflows
• 24/7 monitoring and breach detection
• Support for platforms like Clio, ShareFile, and Microsoft 365
• Guidance on FTC Safeguards and other compliance frameworks
• Practical, non-disruptive implementation

And we do it with a response time under 3 minutes and a focus on measurable business results, not just technical fixes.

Want to protect your practice without slowing it down?

Explore how One82 helps law firms secure sensitive data, stay compliant, and build digital trust.

Click Here or give us a call at 408-335-0353 to Book a FREE Discovery Call

Key Takeaways

• Law firms face distinct cybersecurity challenges tied to ethics, confidentiality, and client data protection.
• Common threats include ransomware, phishing, and remote access vulnerabilities.
• Every legal practice, regardless of size, needs core protections like MFA, endpoint security, encrypted communication, and employee training.
• One82 offers legal IT security support that's built around your firm's pace, pressure, and professional obligations.