Data security is a critical component of running a successful law firm. A firm is full of sensitive case information, records, and documents that require a strong safeguard against corruption and data loss. Failing to keep data secure is more than just a huge risk for you and your firm—it can also have incredibly negative consequences for your clients. Should any client information be corrupted, this can result in major data law complications. With this in mind, the need for an effective lawyer software is even more crucial in today’s digital age than ever.
The reality of the digital world is that while it offers many benefits to the law industry, it also poses plenty of complications and threats. Poorly patched operating and network systems along with outdated firewalls can massively increase the risk of technical weak spots. When these weak spots occur, this opens up the opportunity for data hijacking.
According to the American Bar Association, 23% of respondents in a recent cybersecurity report recorded that their firms experienced some form of technological breach. To ensure that your client’s information and intellectual property stays confidential, there are a number of tactics to deploy. With the right strategies, data compliance can easily be achievable.
5 Ways to Protect Your Firm’s Data Security:
Lockdown on Networks and Databases
A lawyer’s database is perhaps one of their most significant assets. For this reason, organizations must secure all databases and networks from deliberate internal and external attacks to their cybersecurity.
In terms of database security, firms are encouraged to defend all three levels of protection: database, access, and perimeter. At the database level, this will ensure that the actual data is protected. The access layer focuses on who can enter or control these systems whereas the perimeter level determines who can and cannot access these files.
Some solutions include:
- Firewalls
- Encryption
- Permission control
- Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
These solutions make up what we know as network security. Network security establishes a set of rules and configurations to protect the integrity of your firm’s data access. This will occur on both a computer network as well as software and hardware levels.
Back-Up Documents
Backing up important files is one of the first strategies any data law specialist will recommend. It’s easy to do and implement too. Backing up documents can either be done with a lawyer software or through cloud-based platforms.
It’s recommended that one storage method is utilized and streamlined throughout the firm to ensure that client data is correctly stored. Gaps in your IT system can create unnecessary admin and liabilities, mainly data loss. Furthermore, when it comes to security updates, it’s easier to monitor one system rather than multiple systems.
Encrypt All Files
It’s best practice to encrypt files on all working devices – computers, mobile phones, and tablets. Whether you’re working on a Windows or Mac system, both types of software offer simple encryption capabilities.
The most common forms of encryption are:
- File and folder encryption – only specific items are encrypted with this method and isn’t recommended for larger firms.
- Volume – this creates a container of fully encrypted data. Only the documents that are saved in this container are encrypted.
- Full-disk or whole-disk – all files and folders are encrypted. This is the most complete form of encryption and comes highly recommended.
Secure VPN Access
While logging into free wifi networks may be tempting, it can pose a huge threat to data security breaches. Setting up a VPN provides your firm with a secure connection where access is controlled. Being wary of the sites that you visit is important too. Sites that have an SSL accreditation are preferred as without it, your data can be open to potential hackings.
Invest in a Case Management Software
The truth is that cyber threats aren’t going anywhere but lawyer software is continuously growing and adapting to prevent these attacks from happening. If client confidentiality is high on your list, as it should be, entrusting in these legal softwares can be hugely beneficial. In many cases, it can help you by better protecting your data via streamlined processes (with less room for manual error), enhanced security infrastructure, backups, database safety, and file encryption. Moreover, legal technology can take your security even further while also improving your firm’s overall efficiency.
Learn More About Amberlo’s Data Security Features:
A lawyer software that ensures your cybersecurity bullet-proof is essential. Besides the fact that Amberlo is using the world’s most advanced cloud infrastructure provided by Amazon, it also has ISO 27001 Information Security Management and ISO 27017 Cloud Services Security certificates. As you may know, these ISO certifications are all about information security. Learn more about Amberlo’s security here.
Learn more about how Amberlo can not only protect your data but also help you run an efficient law firm through many functions and features. Send us an email at info@wordpress-1018060-3597905.cloudwaysapps.com or have a look at our website www.amberlo.io for more.
