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. According to the ABA 2024 TechReport, 29% of law firms have experienced a security breach at some point, yet only 43% have an incident response plan in place.

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. The Verizon 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report found that 74% of all breaches involve a human element — phishing, stolen credentials, or social engineering — the exact attack vectors most commonly used against law firms.

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.

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?

Law firms across the San Francisco Bay Area — from San Jose and Palo Alto to San Francisco and Redwood City — trust One82 to protect their most sensitive client data. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are law firms specifically targeted by cybercriminals?

Law firms are attractive targets for cybercriminals because they handle highly sensitive information, such as legal strategies and personal client data. This valuable data can lead to significant financial gain for attackers through ransomware, identity theft, or espionage.

What cybersecurity measures should law firms implement?

Law firms should establish strong security protocols, including multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, and employee training on recognizing phishing attempts. Additionally, implementing secure remote access solutions and data encryption can help protect confidential information.

How do ethical and regulatory requirements impact law firm cybersecurity?

Attorneys are required to follow strict ethical guidelines and regulations to protect client information. Failing to implement adequate cybersecurity measures can lead to breaches of attorney-client privilege, resulting in legal consequences and damage to a firm’s reputation.

How can a managed IT service help improve cybersecurity for law firms?

A managed IT service can provide law firms with tailored cybersecurity strategies, ongoing monitoring, and rapid response to threats. By leveraging expert knowledge and resources, firms can better protect their sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry regulations.