Cyberattacks have never posed a greater threat to law firms. Up to 42% of firms with 100 or more employees have experienced a data security breach, with the average cost reaching $7.5 million. Though cyberattacks have hit businesses across all industries, law firms are frequent targets due to their high revenue, reliance on cloud-based systems, lack of cybersecurity personnel and slow incident response times.
A free PracticeHQ webinar, presented by the New Jersey State Bar Association on March 12, explored the ethics rules on keeping client data safe, the risks associated with mobile, cloud and everyday computing and how attorneys can work anywhere safely.
Here are some quick tips from PracticeHQ, a free benefit for members that provides information and guidance on practice-related issues. Check out the program materials from the webinar here.
Follow a 3-2-1 Backup Strategy
All data storage systems will eventually fail. This includes the spinning hard drives in servers or desktop computers, the solid-state drives laptops and the flash memory modules in tablets and smartphones. The question isn’t if, but when will you have a data storage failure. To protect your data, follow this simple 3-2-1 rule.
• Have at least three independent copies of your data.
• Store the copies on two different types of media.
• Keep one backup copy offsite.
Invest in Antivirus/Antimalware Software
Many users mistakenly believe they have computer protection software running when they really lack it, or have an outdated program. While both Windows and macOS have good defenses, threats can grow unabated. Most firms should consider supplementing their operating system with a third-party application. Highly regarded vendors for antivirus/antimalware programs include: Avast, AVG, Malwarebytes, McAfee, and Norton.
Back it Up
Backing up data is not an area to cut corners on costs. Losing data can cripple a law firm and expose it to malpractice. It’s important to have two backup systems – an internet-based system that runs constantly and an on-site external hard drive or network-attached storage.
Internet backup options are becoming common as the primary backup method. The biggest advantages of internet-based backups are that they are offsite and backed up to highly secure data centers with redundant power and internet. Top vendors in the field are: Backblaze, CrashPlan, Carbonite, SOS Online Backup.