IT & CYBER SECURITY FOR Law Firms & LEGAL SERVICES

IT & Security Challenges Facing the Legel Sector

The legal sector is confronting an array of technological challenges that threaten both its operational efficiency and client confidentiality. Cyber security threats remain at the forefront, as law firms are increasingly lucrative targets for cyber-attacks aiming to compromise sensitive client data.

These challenges become prominent in our modern, hybrid-working world, where secure data storage and transmission are paramount.
On top of this, new technologies, evolving expectations, and a global shift in working culture are all propelling technological change in the legal sector.
But we’re here to help.

Stripe OLT already support organisations operating across the legal industry, including law firms, legal agencies and compliance agencies – helping them succeed in a space that is often in a constant state of change.

Sensitive Data Handling 

Legal firms frequently manage extremely sensitive information, such as details related to active criminal investigations or high-stakes corporate deals.

This makes them attractive targets for criminal entities looking to leverage insider information, gain advantages in legal battles, or interfere with the justice process. 

Data, Storage, Protection, Privacy, and Transmission

Protecting client data across multiple touchpoints and ensuring secure storage and transmission is becoming an ever-growing challenge due to the shift towards hybrid working and cloud-first systems. 

Third-Party Attacks 

Smaller legal practices and individual practitioners often outsource additional operational requirements to third parties, making it difficult for them to properly assess the cybersecurity measures in place.

Such firms are especially susceptible to attacks, possibly due to outdated security protocols on unmanaged devices or insufficient staff training. Even a minor breach could lead to devastating financial or reputational damage.  

Phishing Scams 

Law firms also manage large financial transactions in various sectors like corporate mergers and real estate, often under tight deadlines.

These conditions, combined with the complexity of dealing with multiple clients and vendors, make them vulnerable to phishing scams and business email compromises. 

Regulatory Compliance and Client Confidentiality  

Keeping up with changing regulatory requirements is crucial for legal operations and for maintaining client trust, particularly when it comes to adhering to stringent GDPR standards and compliance with Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) guidelines.

Ransomware Risks

Operational disruptions can be financially detrimental for legal entities, not only due to loss of billable hours but also because of the repercussions for their client base.

This makes them particularly enticing for cybercriminal groups specializing in ransomware attacks, who demand money to restore IT services. 

Reputational Damage 

Reputational Damage 
Given that a firm’s reputation is crucial in the legal industry, practices become lucrative targets for extortion schemes, heightening the need for robust cybersecurity measures 

Legacy Systems and Modernisation 

Balancing the integration of new technologies while maintaining existing legacy systems without sacrificing performance and security, is an increasing challenge for many legal firms.