Cybersecurity Tips for Law Firms – 2020 Cybersecurity Tips
Cybersecurity is an essential concern for law firms in Toronto. Find out how to optimize cybersecurity for Toronto law firms.
As a lawyer, you collect and store sensitive data about your clients and other individuals involved in their cases. You may also have a wealth of other important data on your network. Because much of the data you manage is confidential and protected by law, you need to pay careful attention to cybersecurity. Below are some tips to boost cybersecurity for Toronto Law Firms in 2020.
1. Be aware of the risks.
The first step toward improving cybersecurity for your law firm is to understand why it is important in the first place. Everyone who works for your firm needs to be aware of the importance of cybersecurity, as well as your legal requirements for protecting sensitive data.
2. Secure your network.
If you don’t take steps to keep your law firm’s network secure, cybercriminals have easy access. Use firewalls, encryption, malware detection software and any other technology available to keep your network secure. If possible, consult with an experienced IT firm to make sure your network is as safe from cyberattacks as it can be.
3. Don’t forget mobile devices.
Many law firms suffer breaches because they secure their networks and computer systems in the office but fail to consider mobile and portable devices. To protect your law firm, everyone who accesses your network and/or databases needs to take the necessary steps to protect their phones, laptops, tablets and any other device used. These devices should always be password protected, and they should be equipped with the proper security software. Employees should also be instructed to refrain from leaving their devices unattended or loaning them out.
4. Consider cloud-based storage options.
In many cases, the cloud offers better security than in-house software and hardware can provide. Consider moving your operations to the cloud in order to boost security. If you aren’t sure, an IT provider can help you decide whether the cloud is the best option for you.
5. Have a contingency plan.
Even when you make every effort to optimize your law firm’s cybersecurity, breaches can still occur. For this reason, your firm needs to have a clear plan in place for dealing with these breaches. Make sure your data is always backed up in a secure location so you will be able to access it if your networks are compromised. You should also have a plan to get your systems back up and running quickly if they are impacted by a security issue, such as ransomware.
Cybersecurity is an essential consideration for every law firm. To protect your firm, you need to be proactive. For more assistance with cybersecurity, consult a reputable law firm IT provider.
