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2022 Law Firm Cyber Security Guide

by | Jan 6, 2022 | Cyber Security, Legal

 

2022 Law Firm Cyber Security Guide: How Cyber Security Can Keep Your Law Firm Secure

As a law firm, your clients trust you with their confidential information. This is why law firm cyber security should be a top priority for any law firm. According to the 2019 ABA Cybersecurity Tech Report, 26% of law firms have experienced a data breach and 36% of law firms had their systems infected by malware.

So how do law firms protect their clients’ data and mitigate the risk of a data breach? This article will outline the fundamentals of cyber security for law firms, best practices, regulatory obligations, and the latest IT solutions to defend your data and protect your reputation as a law practice.

Table of Contents:

  • Law Firm Cyber Security Fundamentals
  • Regulatory Obligations
  • Best IT Practices
  • Benefits of Managed IT Services

Law Firm Cyber Security Fundamentals

What is cyber security? Cyber Security is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, networks, and data from malicious attacks. Cybercriminals like to target law firms due to the valuable and sensitive information they deal with on a day-to-day basis. Valuable information such as intellectual property, trade secrets, acquisition details, and personally identifiable information (PII) are all targets for hackers and criminals.

Because of these risks, and attorney-client privilege, it should be a top priority for all legal professionals and firms to secure their data with cybersecurity.

Elements of Cyber Security:

Network Security:

Is the practice of securing a computer network from malicious actors, whether it be a targeted intrusion or opportunistic malware.

Operational Security:

Is the processes and decisions for managing and protecting data assets. User permissions are handled when accessing a network, and operational security determines the procedures needed and where data may be stored or shared.

Application Security:

Involves keeping all business software and devices free of threats. With many workers working remotely, keeping devices is crucial.

Information Security:

Protects the privacy of a company’s data both in transit and in storage.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery:

Is when a cyber security event happens or a loss of operational data occurs, a company will need a business continuity and recovery plan to restore operations and information to the same operating capacity. With EVERNET, your business can develop a continuity and recovery plan.

End-User Education:

At the end of the day, end-user education is essential for business integrity. People can accidentally introduce a virus into your secured system by failing to follow good security practices. Evernet can help train employees good security practices when using company tools such as email, software, and online accounts.

Regulatory Obligations

As legal professionals, it is your duty to protect client data and to disclose any error if a data breach occurs. According to the ABA, lawyers are required to:

…make reasonable efforts to prevent the inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure of, or unauthorized access to, information relating to the representation of a client.”

The ABA is a great resource for law firms looking for guidance on securing client data and the obligations required for lawyers. You can view their Securing Communication of Protected Client Information and Lawyer Obligations After an Electronic Data Breach or CyberAttack.

Complying with ABA obligations means making a reasonable effort to protect your trust account, attorney-client privilege, and the protection of law firm data. Most law firms work with Managed Service Providers like EVERNET, to manage their cyber security and data management.

Best IT Practices 

Law Firm Cyber Security Guide 2022

1. Implement a Law Firm Cyber Security Policy 

Most IT incidents are caused by human error. Law firm cyber security policies reduce their risk of a data breach, prevent email phishing, and protect their clients’ confidential information. EVERNET offers law firms cyber security implementation and employee education.

2. Encrypt Everything 

What is encryption? Encryption is the building block of data security. It is the conversion of data from a readable format into an encoded format whether it is stored in an email, hard drive, browser, or cloud application. EVERNET takes care of law firm data in transit with encryption processes following the regulatory obligations of the legal industry.

3. Secure Communications

A primary method for hackers is to access data through communication channels like email and web-conferencing. Using Multi-Factor Authentication tools, email encryption, and training legal professionals on phishing, spoofing, and the danger of clicking on unknown links can deter hackers from stealing your clients’ data.

4. Have a Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity Plan

Preparing for a data breach as much as we want to avoid it, is necessary to protect your firm’s reputation. Creating a plan and testing the plan can help determine loopholes in your cybersecurity and bring about opportunities to mitigate risk. EVERNET can assist you with your law firm’s cyber security policy and recovery plans.

Benefits of a Managed Service Provider for Law Firms

 

1. State of the Art Cybersecurity

A network breach or data hack is near to unacceptable for a law firm. As lawyers, your clients trust you with a great deal of confidential information and your firm’s reputation is tied to that confidentiality and protection. Cybersecurity is an important aspect of a law firm IT solutions, EVERNET thinks ahead and influences productivity with leading technologies–building out robust state-of-the-art security mechanisms, resolving potential vulnerabilities, and keeping an ever-vigilant eye on external cyber threats. Successful law firms are more likely to be technologically secure, having an IT provider handling their cyber security 24/7/365.

2. Deploy Cloud Infrastructure Safely and Efficiently

Everything is about the cloud these days and that’s for good reason. There are multiple advantages for law firms to store their documents and files on the cloud. Cloud-based IT services allow lawyers to access their confidential documents at their fingertips, whether they are in office, remote, or in the courtroom. Cloud configuration has a lot of complexities involved, the expertise of EVERNET as a managed service provider can establish a secure cloud environment for law firms and their data.

3. Stability and Confidence

Many law firms and businesses have been taken down by seemingly minor technology glitches. Prevent chaos and concern by working with a managed service IT provider to keep operations going smoothly while also protecting your confidential information from malicious attacks. Having a guarantee that your office technology is secured allows lawyers and firms like yours to focus on the law at hand.

4. 24/7/365 Dedicated IT Support

Having a managed service provider isn’t only to help prevent data breaches or provide security, EVERNET also helps when it comes to daily IT issues lawyers often have to deal with. Your law firm may be using a variety of legal and computer software that you need support with on a daily basis. Our remote helpdesk support is available anytime and we’re in your office when you need us with our excellent on-site support technicians. With a dedicated support team at your disposal, you never have to worry about IT issues again.

5. Be In Compliance With Important Data Protection Laws

2021 brings new privacy challenges to law firms and attorneys. Make sure your client practices are in compliance with new data laws. Law firms deal with sensitive client data that comes under the purview of various laws and regulations implemented by the government to protect confidential information. Having your technology resources and operations up to date is vital to avoid violating these laws. Non-compliance as most lawyers know needs to be avoided or legal troubles may arise, affecting your law firm’s reputation and costing you huge penalties. That’s why EVERNET’s expertise in leading technology and privacy laws can keep your practice in touch with the latest compliance regulations and offer necessary actions to make sure any legal firm or business is compliant at all times.

6. Save Money and Time

Every law firm or business is concerned about additional operating costs but with a managed service provider like EVERNET, you can save money and more importantly time by having a stable resource of support offering you the latest state-of-the-art security. Running a law firm is by no means inexpensive, so having a reliable, trustworthy, and local IT support provider just makes sense at the end of the day. We’ll focus on your technology so you can focus on your clients.

 

Project Discounted Hourly Rates

All new accounts pay a $500 dollar onboarding fee to start and an additional $125 per resource.

Marketing Materials

At EVERNET, we are experts in providing a broad range of marketing materials to our clients. Our offerings include brochures, flyers, business cards, posters, product catalogs, websites, social media content, press releases, presentations, and email newsletters.

SEMRush Premium Location

SEMRush Premium is a comprehensive suite of tools that helps businesses improve their online visibility and performance. It includes features for keyword research, competitive analysis, website auditing, and more. SEMRush Premium is used by businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.

SEMRush Basic Location

SEMRush Basic Location is a feature that allows you to manage your business listings in over 70 local directories.

Email*: Newsletter

Email*: Newsletter" refers to a task or item on a schedule or to-do list that involves writing and sending an email newsletter to a group of subscribers. A newsletter is a regular communication sent by a company, organization, or individual to provide updates, share information, and engage with the recipient base.

Email*: Product & Services Promo

Email*: Product & Services Promo" refers to a task or item on a schedule or to-do list that involves writing and sending an email to promote specific products or services offered by a company or organization. This email aims to attract recipients' attention, highlight the features and benefits of the products or services, and encourage them to purchase or engage with the offerings.

Email* Company Post (Holidays, Quick News Items)

Email*: Company Post (Holidays, Quick News Items)" refers to a task or item on a schedule or to-do list that involves writing and sending an email on behalf of a company or organization. This email aims to share company-related updates, news items, or holiday greetings with the intended recipients, such as employees, clients, or subscribers.

Email*: Blog/Press Release (est 1.25 hrs)

Email*: Blog/Press Release" refers to a task or item on a schedule or to-do list that involves writing and sending an email related to a blog or press release. It typically entails reaching out to individuals or organizations to announce the publication of a new blog post or a press release and seeking their support, coverage, or collaboration.

Social Text Post 

A social text post is a written message or update shared on social media platforms or online communities. It is a way for individuals to express their thoughts, opinions, share information, ask questions, or engage in conversations with others within their social network or online community.

Project Discounted Hourly Rates

All new accounts pay a $500 dollar onboarding fee to start and an additional $125 per resource.

 

Managed Website Support

EVERNET’s team of experts offers comprehensive website support services to ensure your website's smooth and efficient running. Our support includes technical and administrative assistance, such as website security updates, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.

Branding Style Guide

A branding style guide, also known as a brand guidelines document or brand manual, is a comprehensive document that outlines the visual and stylistic guidelines for consistently representing a brand's identity across various mediums and applications. It is a reference tool for designers, marketers, and anyone involved in creating or using brand materials to ensure the brand is accurately and consistently presented.

Branding Stylescape

A branding stylescape, also known as a brand mood board or visual identity board, represents a brand's aesthetic and visual direction. It is a collage or composition of various design elements, including color palettes, typography, imagery, patterns, textures, and other visual cues that capture the essence and personality of a brand.

Deliver Logo Pack

The deliverable logo pack is a comprehensive resource for clients or stakeholders to effectively use and apply the logo in different contexts and across various platforms. It empowers them with the necessary files and guidelines to maintain consistency, protect the integrity of the brand identity, and ensure the logo's proper representation.

Logo Mockups

Logo mockups are a valuable tool in the design process, allowing designers and clients to assess the logo's effectiveness in real-world applications. They help bridge the gap between a conceptual logo design and its practical implementation, enabling informed discussions and decision-making.

Vectorize Logo

When a logo is vectorized, the original design or raster logo is converted into a vector format. This conversion process involves tracing the original logo using vector software or redrawing it using vector tools. The result is a logo that can be scaled to any size without pixelation, making it suitable for various applications, such as print materials, signage, websites, or promotional products.

Revisions

Logo design revisions are crucial to the design process, allowing our clients to provide input and shape the outcome. Through effective collaboration and iterations, our designers strive to create a logo that reflects your brand's identity and values and satisfies the client's expectations.

Logo Sketches

EVERNET will work with our clients on a hand-drawn or digital drawing that represents an initial exploration of ideas for a logo design. It is a rough and simplified representation of the logo concept and serves as a starting point for further development. Designers typically create logo sketches during the ideation phase of the design process.

Logo Concept

At EVERNET, we collaborate with our clients to bring their logo ideas and design direction to life. Our team uses a creative and strategic approach to develop logo concepts that represent the brand or organization visually. These concepts are crucial in the logo development process before the final design is selected.

Introductory Meeting

An introductory meeting for a branding project with EVERNET is a gathering or discussion that marks the initial stages of collaboration between a client and our agency. Its purpose is to establish a foundation for the project, allowing both parties to exchange information, align expectations, and explore the goals and objectives of the branding initiative.

Page Localization per page

Page localization per page refers to adapting or customizing individual web pages to suit a specific target audience's language, culture, and preferences. Instead of translating an entire website, page localization focuses on specific pages or sections relevant to a particular market or region. It involves modifying a webpage's content, design, and functionality to cater to the particular needs and expectations of the target audience.

Multivariant Testing

Multivariate testing, also known as multivariable testing, is a technique used in marketing and web development to simultaneously test multiple variations of elements or factors on a webpage or within a marketing campaign. It allows businesses to evaluate the combined impact of various variables and their interactions, providing insights into which combination produces the best results.

A/B Testing

A/B testing, also known as split testing, is a method used in marketing and web development to compare two or more variations of a webpage or element to determine which one performs better in achieving a specific goal. It involves dividing the audience into separate groups and showing each group a different version of the webpage or element to measure and analyze their response and behavior.

Sales Funnel/Lead Gen Pages

Sales funnel/lead gen pages are designed to capture leads and guide potential customers through sales. They are vital to online marketing and sales strategies, aiming to convert visitors into qualified leads and eventually into paying customers.

Revisions/Adjustments

Revisions or adjustments to a webpage refer to the modifications or changes made to a web page's content, design, or functionality. These revisions are typically done to improve the overall user experience, address issues, or update the webpage to reflect new information or requirements.

Web Page Translator

A webpage translator is a tool or feature that enables web content translation from one language to another. It allows users to view a webpage in their preferred language, even if the original content was written differently. Webpage translators are designed to make websites more accessible and user-friendly for a global audience.

Web Page Chat Bot

A webpage chatbot, also known as a web chatbot, is a type of conversational agent or virtual assistant designed to interact with users through a website. It is typically integrated into a webpage or application to provide real-time assistance, answer questions, and engage in conversations with visitors.

Web form creation refers to the process of designing and building interactive forms that are embedded in websites. Web forms are digital forms that allow users to input and submit information through various fields and elements.

Template Contact Form 

A template contact form refers to a pre-designed and pre-built form layout that can be used as a starting point or foundation for creating a contact form on a website. It provides a structured framework with the necessary fields and design elements commonly found in contact forms.

Privacy Policy Page

Termageddon privacy policies generator and management tool that helps website owners comply with various privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The tool provides customizable templates for privacy policies, terms of service agreements, disclaimers, and other legal documents that businesses may need for their websites.

Analytics & Search Engine Connection 

Analytics and search engine connection refer to integrating web analytics tools and search engines, typically Google Analytics and search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. This connection allows businesses to gather valuable data and insights about their website's performance, user behavior, and search engine visibility.

Client Portal Integration

Client portal integration refers to incorporating a client portal into a business's existing systems or website, allowing secure and streamlined communication, collaboration, and access to resources between the company and its clients.

Competitive Keyword Research $/KW

Competitive keyword research is identifying and analyzing the keywords that competitors target in their digital marketing strategies. It involves researching and understanding the keywords your competitors are ranking for in search engine results pages (SERPs) and using that information to inform your keyword targeting strategy.

Google Reviews Carousel

The Google Review Carousel is a feature in Google search results that displays reviews for a specific business or entity.

Blog Integration

Blog integration refers to seamlessly incorporating a blog into a website or other digital platform. It involves integrating the blog functionality, design, and content management system (CMS) with the existing website infrastructure, allowing for a unified and cohesive user experience.

CRM Integration

CRM integration refers to connecting a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system with other software applications or platforms to enable seamless data sharing, automation, and enhanced functionality. Integrating the CRM system with various tools, such as marketing automation software, email marketing platforms, e-commerce platforms, help desk systems, and more.

Copywriting/SEO

In web design, copywriting and SEO work hand in hand to create a visually appealing, engaging website optimized for search engines. Copywriters collaborate with SEO specialists to conduct keyword research and strategically integrate relevant keywords into the website's content, headings, and meta tags. They create persuasive copy that captures the target audience's attention and aligns with SEO best practices.

Custom Designed Page/Section

A custom-designed page/section is a uniquely tailored layout or structure created to meet specific design requirements and align with a brand's visual identity or individual preferences. Unlike a basic designed page/section, which often relies on pre-existing templates or standard layouts, a custom-designed page/section offers higher creativity, originality, and personalization.

Basic Designed Page/ Section

A basic designed page/section refers to a simple and straightforward layout or structure that serves as a foundation for content creation. It typically includes essential elements and a minimalistic design approach, focusing on clarity and ease of use. Primary designed pages/sections are commonly used in various contexts, such as web development, document creation, and graphic design.

Template Page/Section

A template page/section refers to a pre-designed layout or structure as a starting point for creating consistent and cohesive content within a larger document or website.

vCMO - Marketing Business Review 

A vCMO can be a valuable resource for businesses that lack in-house marketing expertise or need additional strategic guidance. Developing and implementing effective marketing strategies that drive business growth can be easy with a dedicated marketing team or chief marketing officer.

Advertising Management

With EVERNET's advertising management services, we take the burden off your shoulders by handling your advertising needs across various platforms. From social media and web advertising to print and billboard campaigns, we've got you covered. Our experienced team of professionals ensures that each venue receives dedicated attention, with an estimated time of 1 hour per venue.

Email*: Newsletter

Our team understands the importance of keeping your subscribers updated and entertained with valuable content. From industry insights and trends to company news and exclusive offers, our newsletters are designed to captivate readers and foster a sense of connection.

Email*: Product & Services Promo

When it comes to promoting your products and services, EVERNET excels in crafting compelling email campaigns. Our team specializes in creating attention-grabbing and persuasive email content that effectively showcases your offerings. Whether you're launching a new product, announcing a service upgrade, or running a promotional campaign, our tailored emails will captivate your audience and drive conversions.

Email* Company Post

With EVERNET's expertise in email marketing, we offer tailored company posts that are perfect for holiday promotions or sharing quick news items. Our team crafts engaging and personalized emails, ensuring your message resonates with your audience during festive seasons or when you have important updates to share.

Email*: Blog/Press Release

At EVERNET, our team of experienced copywriters excels at crafting specialized blog posts and press releases that cater to your business needs, delivering captivating content on any topic you desire.

Social Image/Graphic/Non-Produced Video Post

EVERNET creates captivating and tailored social image/graphic/non-produced video posts for its clients, ensuring that the visual content aligns with the unique requirements and characteristics of the social media platform on which they market their business.

Social Text Post 

EVERNET leverages its expertise to curate and distribute compelling social text posts on behalf of its clients, tailoring the content to suit the specific social media platform they utilize for marketing their business.

WP Rocket

WP Rocket is a premium caching plugin for WordPress websites designed to improve the website’s speed and performance by reducing the page loading time, minimizing HTTP requests, and optimizing code.

Workstation Backup

Backup and disaster recovery are two separate but connected concepts that organizations should always consider together. Backing up data is storing a copy of a business’s data in a cloud or physical environment, such as an external hard drive. 

 

General Copywriting/ Blog Press Release/ Content Page

EVERNET specializes in creating content that resonates with your target audience and drives engagement, whether you’re looking for blog posts, press releases, social media text, or email marketing.

Zoho Social Brand Management

Social media management tool helps businesses and agencies manage their social media presence more efficiently.

SEMRush Listing & Reputation management

SEMrush is a popular digital marketing tool that provides insights and analytics for SEO, PPC, social media, content marketing, and more. It helps businesses optimize their online presence, improve search rankings, and increase website traffic.

Termageddon

Termageddon privacy policies generator and management tool that helps website owners comply with various privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

SiteGround Website Hosting

EVERNET can assist your business by selecting the best web hosting platform based on your company’s specific needs and budget. Our experienced team can help migrate your site to a new hosting platform, configure the hosting environment, and provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the site is always running smoothly.

Managed Advertising Support

At EVERNET, we understand the importance of advertising your brand, services, or products to the right audience. That is why our industry professionals are here to help you optimize your advertising campaigns to achieve your advertising goals and increase your ROI.

Managed CRM Support

EVERNET is a third-party implementation partner; we work with trusted software customer relationship management (CRM) vendors to provide software and technology solution services to help your business grow. We provide expertise, support, and resources to help your company deploy and maintain third-party solutions.

Managed Social Media Support

With EVERNET Social Media Support, we provide a comprehensive suite of services tailored to your business needs. From developing a custom social media strategy to community management, advertising, and analytics tracking, we offer a personalized approach that ensures your success on social media.

Managed Listing and Reputation Support

EVERNET offers comprehensive managed listing and reputation support services to help businesses establish and maintain a positive online presence.

Hosted Phone Service (VoIP)

A VoIP phone service eliminates the need for expensive hardware, lowering the setup fee more than traditional phone systems. VoIP won’t cost as much as you think for everything from virtual numbers to video conferencing.

Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 suite is a family of productivity software, collaboration, and cloud-based services designed to make teamwork effortless. It includes Microsoft Outlook for email, OneDrive cloud storage, Microsoft Teams, and cloud applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Corporate Password Manager

Password Management is a service that utilizes software that stores and manages online credentials. This allows individuals and businesses to save and manage their passwords from one safe space.  

Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO)

A vCIO, or virtual Chief Information Officer, is a professional who provides technical leadership and strategic guidance to an organization on a part-time or contract basis.

IT Maintenance

IT maintenance refers to ensuring that an organization’s information technology (IT) systems and infrastructure are operating smoothly and efficiently. This involves performing routine tasks such as installing software updates and patches, monitoring system performance and security, and repairing or replacing hardware.

Email Advanced Threat Protection

Email Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) is a security solution designed to protect email systems from advanced threats such as phishing, malware, and zero-day attacks.

Security Awareness Training

Security awareness training educates employees on how to protect the organization’s computer systems. Its goal is to help prevent cyber attacks from impacting a company’s database and day-to-day operations. 

Patch Management

Patch Management is a service that involves identifying, acquiring, testing, and installing patches or code changes to the software. 

Antivirus (EDR)

Antivirus is software used to prevent, scan, detect, and delete viruses from a computer. Antivirus software typically runs automatically in the background and provides real-time protection against virus attacks.

Device Health & Security Monitoring

24/7 Device Health Monitoring is a service that allows our IT team to keep a finger on the pulse of your IT Solutions, keeping your network running without interruption.  

Vendor Management

Vendor Management Service is a service EVERNET offers that helps clients manage their vendors. We do this by creating a unique email address for every client on EVERNET’s mail server, and we point this email address to our Client Portal.

Managed IT Support

With expertise in everything from Microsoft 365 to hosted phone services, backup and disaster recovery, 24/7 device health and security monitoring, and everything in between, EVERNET will manage all aspects of your IT systems. Keep your focus on confidently running your business, knowing EVERNET has your IT Solutions covered.