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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.