Extract from Adrienne Lester’s article “Enhancing Data Security Practices: A Guide for Legal Professionals”
For legal professionals, safeguarding sensitive client data is not just a priority, it’s a necessity. The vast trove of confidential information that law firms hold makes them a prime target for cyber threats. Despite the security solutions that many firms have in place, data breaches still pose significant threats and cost millions of dollars. Statista found that the average data breach in the U.S. in 2023 cost about $9.48 million. As cybercriminals evolve, so must a firm’s defenses. Here, I want to delve into the critical aspects of data security for law firms and how firms can best fortify their defenses.
Understanding Modern Threats
Before we look at how to defend against cybercriminals, we must understand them and the threats they present.
Cybercriminals leverage sophisticated techniques such as phishing campaigns and AI-generated malware to exploit vulnerabilities. Governments are hard at work to find ways to keep up with criminals’ ever-evolving strategies and tactics, but research shows that the costs associated with cybercrime could reach $10.5 trillion by 2025, highlighting the urgency for robust cybersecurity measures.
