Not Covered In Law School, But Critical to Law Practice: Cybersecurity
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As cybercriminals employ ever more sophisticated schemes to get hold of confidential law firm information, attorneys and others who work there are often the weak link in the organization’s cybersecurity efforts.
High-tech protective measures don’t do much good if all a lawyer has to do to provide hackers with a wealth of confidential information is click on a link in an email or leave a laptop with an easy-to-break password where it can be stolen, the Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) notes.
Likewise, while having a cell number listed on a v-card can make it easy for potential clients to get through, it can also open the door to thieves.
“There is a huge pressure on lawyers to use all the technology and exchange information quickly and seamlessly with clients,” says general counsel Jim Brashear of ZixCorp, which helps clients encrypt email. “But lawyers also have a fiduciary and ethical responsibility to protect that information. Balancing those two is the challenge.”
The Wall Street Journal Law Blog also has a story.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “China Cyber-Attack May Have Targeted Law Firm & Other Companies, Too”
ABAJournal.com: “Corporate Clients Should Ask Specific Questions About Law Firm Computer Security, Experts Say”
ABAJournal.com: “Law Firm Sues Over Doppelganger Domain Name, Says Infringing Website Is Intercepting Attorney Email”
