Cyber security breaches hit record high
How law firms can strengthen cyber defences
Cyberattacks on UK law firms have surged dramatically, with a staggering 77% increase in attacks reported in the year.
Data published by The Law Society Gazette suggests that nearly three quarters of the UK’s top 100 law firms have been impacted by cyber-attacks, according to a report by The National Cyber Security Centre, making the legal sector one of the most targeted industries1.
In other analysis, published by a cybersecurity research website that maintains a worldwide ransomware tracker, it was reported that cybercrime attacks on legal firms have reached an all-time high in the last year, affecting 1.6 million individual records globally so far2.
According to cybersecurity experts, the sector has struggled to keep pace with evolving threats, and ransom demands frequently reach millions of pounds. However, it is thought that figures on ransom demands could be considerably higher as figures only cover publicly confirmed attacks, and some companies will not disclose the figure, especially where they have paid a ransom.
Conduct a Cyber Security Audit
A cyber-security audit is one of the most valuable exercises a firm can take, and understanding the threats to a firm’s systems, data, and any third-party vendors on which they are reliant, is vital. Below are some of the risks that should be considered when completing an audit:
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Malware and hacking attacks
Malware refers to malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorised access to computer systems. Hacking involves attackers exploiting vulnerabilities in your firm’s systems and security to exfiltrate or corrupt data. Given the rapid evolution of business technology used by law firms, attackers are constantly devising new methods to breach data security, making awareness of these external threats crucial
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Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that locks users out of their systems and/or encrypts their files until a ransom is paid. Law firms, which typically hold vast amounts of sensitive client information, are particularly vulnerable to this kind of attack. In recent years, ransomware has become increasingly prevalent in the legal sector, posing a significant risk to client confidentiality and operational continuity
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Denial of service attacks
A denial of service (DoS) attack overwhelms a system or network with a flood of requests, rendering it unavailable to its intended users. This type of attack has become more common and dangerous due to the rise in connected devices, often referred to as smart devices or Internet of Things (IoT) devices. For law firms that rely heavily on uninterrupted network access, the loss of service can significantly disrupt business operations and client communications.
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Malicious insider threat
One of the biggest threats to a law firm’s data is its employees or third-party vendors. Data can be easily leaked or misused; unless there are specific monitoring tools, it would be hard to detect.
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Non-malicious insiders
Another risk group is the careless or uninformed employee. Data can be leaked unintentionally, or through errors such as forgetting to lock devices that contain sensitive information, downloading attachments, clicking links from suspicious email addresses or visiting unauthorised/malicious websites from the firm’s network
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Remote-working
While there are some proven advantages to remote working, one of the disadvantages is that it can lead to lack of oversight regarding cyber-security. Employees need to be aware of how easily information can be obtained and how to mitigate these risks. Most employees will be social media users, so the reality of the recent X (formerly Twitter) hacking should hold relevance when explaining the dangers
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Completing A Data Protection Audit
While it may not be possible to completely prevent a data breach from occurring, firms must be prepared to respond appropriately and in accordance with regulatory guidelines. It is mandatory for firms to review their compliance with GDPR to identify any gaps in their security measures.
Once the risks associated with possible threats to a law firm’s data has been assessed, it is important to examine any existing security controls already in place, address those that need improving and implement processes that are missing
Is Your Law Firm Cyber-Ready?
How PIB's CyberPrepare Can Help Secure The Future Of Your Firm
CyberPrepare is a comprehensive cyber risk management platform designed to help businesses identify vulnerabilities in their fundamental security and controls.
CyberPrepare seamlessly integrates an in-depth assessment with a state-of-the- art domain scan. It thoroughly examines your internal controls and evaluates your company’s security from an external attacker’s perspective.
CyberPrepare breaks down your security and exposures with comprehensive results and actionable insights in simple, understandable language.
How it works
Interactive Assessment
Quickly evaluate your cyber risk by completing a straightforward security questionnaire. This interactive assessment provides clear and easy-to-follow instructions to help you understand your current security posture.
Attackers' Eye View
As you complete your Interactive Assessment, we conduct a scan to gather a detailed profile of your digital estate to highlight vulnerabilities exposed to attackers. This non-invasive scan does not interact with your company’s infrastructure. It collects publicly available information from the URLs you provide, together with any breached data found on the dark web.
Dashboard and Reporting
View your security results in a comprehensive dashboard. This dashboard provides an overview of your organisation’s exposure to the leading and most likely cyber incidents.
After assessing your cyber risk and exposure, export your findings into a detailed report.
Find Out More
To find out more about how CyberPrepare can help your firm prevent cyber incidents and enhance your cyber maturity, watch our CyberPrepare Demo Video
For more information, or get in touch with the PIB team to discuss your requirements:
Sessions for Solicitors
PIB Insurance Brokers holds regular Sessions for Solicitors which are free to attend. These will provide an opportunity for firms to address their concerns regarding cyber-security dangers and how to remain compliant and improve cyber defence.
1https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/cyber-attacks-on-law-firms-jump-by-77/5120668.article
2https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/law-firms-facing-astronomical-ransom-demands-from-cyber-attackers#:~:text=Last%20year%20saw%20the%20highest,maintains%20a%20worldwide%20ransomware%20tracker.