Lawyers and legal organizations hold lots of valuable information. Computer and mobile devices are increasingly attractive targets. All attorneys have a legal and ethical obligation to protect data entrusted to you by clients, whether from state-sponsored actors, ransomware prospectors, or novice hackers.
As the working landscape continues to evolve and the frequency and variety of cyberthreats has exploded, the New Jersey State Bar Association recently held a free lunchtime learning webinar for members filled with practical guidance and designed to help NJSBA members improve their professional lives.
Here are some tips for staying safe from the NJSBA’s PracticeHQ, a free benefit for members that provides information and guidance on practice-related issues:
• While it has a host of benefits, working from home has significant implications for several of the most basic legal ethics obligations including: Competence, confidentiality and duty to supervise. “If anything, be more careful.”
• It can be helpful to centralize and secure data using the cloud; use encryption and a password manager.
• Organize email and documents with a document management system.
• Don’t overshare. Share only the documents and information necessary, especially with parties outside of your organization.
• Some security steps are physical – invest in tags to identify where a lost computer or phone can be returned or a locking mechanism for a laptop.
• Have a cybersecurity policy for everyone in the organization.
• When using ChatGPT and AI, remember that a human has to be responsible for reviewing all information and ensure that all personal or client information remains protected.
• And remember – don’t click unexpected links or open attachments.
Learn more about PracticeHQ at njsba.com