Top IT Security Challenges for Law Firms & How to Protect Client Data

IT security for law firms is no longer optional—it’s mission critical. Law firms store and transmit highly sensitive client information, including contracts, financial data, intellectual property, and sometimes even classified or regulated materials. Yet many firms remain underprepared to defend against modern cyber threats.

From phishing attacks to ransomware and data leaks, the legal industry is increasingly under fire. And the consequences aren’t just financial—they include loss of client trust, legal liability, and professional sanctions.

In this guide, we’ll cover the top IT security challenges law firms face today, and how to overcome them with practical, compliance-ready strategies.

Why Cybersecurity Is Critical for Law Firms

According to the American Bar Association’s 2023 Legal Technology Survey, 27% of law firms reported experiencing a security breach. That figure climbs to 35% for firms with 10-49 attorneys. These breaches include data loss, ransomware infections, unauthorized access, and business email compromise.

Law firms are high-value targets because they manage:

• Confidential client communications

• Case strategies and evidence

• Personally identifiable information (PII)

• Merger, acquisition, and intellectual property data

Even a single breach can lead to malpractice claims, disciplinary action from state bars, and long-term brand damage.

Unfortunately, many law firms—especially solo and small practices—don’t have the in-house IT expertise to prevent, detect, or respond to cyber threats. That gap leaves them vulnerable and unprepared.

1. Lack of In-House IT Security Expertise

Most small to mid-sized law firms operate without a dedicated IT security team. In many cases, basic tech support is outsourced or handled by an office manager or general IT consultant who may not specialize in legal compliance or cybersecurity best practices.

This can lead to:

• Misconfigured systems

• Delayed software updates

• Poor data storage practices

• Non-compliance with industry or regional regulations

Legal-specific cybersecurity involves more than installing antivirus software. Firms need secure file sharing, encrypted communication, access control policies, and data retention protocols—all aligned with rules from the ABA, HIPAA (for firms handling health-related cases), GDPR, and more.

Recommendation: Law firms should work with a cybersecurity partner who understands both IT security and the regulatory landscape of legal practice. At a minimum, firms should conduct an annual third-party risk assessment and implement written IT policies.

2. Unsecured Remote Access

Remote and hybrid work models are now common in legal practice. Attorneys and staff frequently access files from home, courtrooms, and client sites. However, unsecured remote access introduces significant risks.

Key concerns include:

• Use of personal devices without proper security controls

• Remote connections via public or unsecured Wi-Fi

• No VPN (Virtual Private Network) for encrypted access

• Shared logins or weak passwords

Even firms using cloud-based legal software may be at risk if staff access those platforms from unsecured environments.

Recommendation: Law firms must implement secure remote access protocols:

• Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all systems

• Require VPN usage for remote connections

• Install mobile device management (MDM) solutions for firm-owned devices

• Provide staff with secure laptops or configure secure virtual desktops for BYOD setups

Remote work can be secure—but only with the right technical and procedural controls in place.

3. Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

Phishing remains one of the most common attack vectors for law firms. Cybercriminals use deceptive emails to trick legal professionals into revealing login credentials, wiring funds, or installing malware.

Examples include:

• Emails impersonating a client requesting a wire transfer

• Spoofed court notices with malicious attachments

• Fake Microsoft or DocuSign login pages designed to steal passwords

Once inside, attackers can access email systems, exfiltrate documents, or deploy ransomware.

Recommendation:

• Deploy advanced email filtering and threat detection

• Train all staff—including attorneys—on phishing red flags

• Run quarterly phishing simulations to reinforce awareness

• Limit user permissions to reduce damage from compromised accounts

Security is only as strong as the least-informed user. Ongoing education is essential.

4. Outdated Software and Unpatched Systems

Law firms often rely on legacy systems—especially for billing, document management, or case tracking. These tools may no longer be supported by vendors or receive regular security patches.

Unpatched software creates a direct entry point for attackers, who scan for known vulnerabilities that remain unaddressed.

Common issues include:

• Unsupported versions of Microsoft Office or Windows

• Old practice management software with unpatched flaws

• Web browsers or plugins with known exploits

Recommendation:

• Inventory all software and systems used across the firm

• Identify any programs that are end-of-life or out of support

• Apply updates and patches on a monthly schedule (or sooner, for critical flaws)

• Consider replacing legacy tools with secure, cloud-based legal platforms

Up-to-date systems are a foundational component of effective cybersecurity.

5. Non-Compliant Data Storage Practices

Law firms often store sensitive data in unsecured environments, including:

• Local hard drives

• Shared network folders without access controls

• Free consumer-grade cloud storage (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive)

These practices may violate state bar rules, client agreements, or data privacy laws.

For example, a firm handling medical litigation may be subject to HIPAA. A firm with international clients may fall under GDPR. Inadequate data storage can result in fines, civil liability, or loss of licensure.

Recommendation:

• Use encrypted, legal-specific document management systems

• Restrict access to sensitive case files by role or case

• Implement data classification policies and retention schedules

• Conduct regular audits of storage systems and access logs

Storing client data securely is not just an IT issue—it’s a legal obligation.

6. Lack of Incident Response Planning

Most law firms lack a written incident response plan. This means that in the event of a breach, ransomware attack, or system failure, they are forced to respond in a chaotic and reactive manner.

Without a plan, firms risk:

• Delayed breach detection

• Legal noncompliance in breach notification

• Extended downtime

• Higher recovery costs

Recommendation:

• Develop an incident response plan outlining roles, contacts, and escalation procedures

• Define thresholds for internal vs. external reporting

• Include data breach notification requirements for your jurisdiction

• Test the plan through tabletop exercises twice a year

Preparation can significantly reduce the cost, impact, and recovery time of an incident.

How Law Firms Can Strengthen IT Security Today

Even firms without internal IT staff can make significant progress by adopting a few core practices:

• Conduct a cybersecurity risk assessment at least annually

• Require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across all systems

• Replace outdated or unsupported software and systems

• Train staff quarterly on security best practices

• Implement secure, encrypted document management platforms

• Establish an incident response plan and backup strategy

• Work with a partner who specializes in IT security for law firms

Each of these steps improves your firm’s resilience and protects your most valuable asset: client trust.

Cybersecurity is a Legal and Business Imperative

Law firms are trusted with some of the most sensitive information their clients have. Failing to protect that information isn’t just a technical oversight—it’s a breach of fiduciary duty.

Cybersecurity is now a pillar of both operational continuity and professional ethics. Investing in secure systems, proactive training, and expert support is no longer an expense—it’s a competitive advantage.

Need Help with IT Security for Your Law Firm?

At Securafy, we specialize in cybersecurity solutions for legal professionals. Whether you're a solo practice or a 50-attorney firm, we help you:

• Assess and reduce your cyber risk

• Implement secure legal tech systems

• Stay compliant with bar rules and data privacy laws

• Respond quickly and confidently to threats

Protect your firm. Protect your clients. Protect your reputation.

Contact us for a free cybersecurity consultation.