Skilled hackers can easily access your system and steal precious information. Upgrading your cybersecurity can help address this problem
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Dan Sharp
Taking your cybersecurity seriously is a must. Otherwise, you leave the door open for criminals to compromise your law firm’s privacy and cause legal troubles.
Now, you might think that cybercriminals only target large organizations due to more resources. But that’s not the case.
Whether you’re a small or medium-sized law firm in Toronto, you have a large amount of sensitive data that hackers can utilize. If it ends up in the wrong hands, your firm’s reputation can be in shambles, and you may lose access to invaluable information.
The good news is that every business can reduce the risk of this scenario and the best way to do so is to take cybersecurity measures to the next level. This article will share the 13 most effective strategies for strengthening cybersecurity at your law firm or organization.
Mobile devices, computers, and laptops connected to your law firm’s network can be ideal entry points for hackers. Safeguarding these devices with decisive authentication measures is a great way to prevent cyberattacks.
You can benefit from having strong Wi-Fi and device passwords. They limit access and help ensure only your team members can enter your system.
Here are a few guidelines for creating strong yet convenient passwords:
#2 - Use Anti-Fraud services for card payments
Seek advice from banks or your payment processor on selecting trustworthy, validated, and anti-fraud services. Besides protecting your information, they can also shield the data of your clients to help preserve your reputation.
Regardless of the number of your security measures, you can always consider adding more.
Antivirus protection is a must and is the most common tool to combat cyberattacks. It can block malware from compromising your devices and data.
Investing in firewall protection is another great idea if you want to safeguard your law firm against hackers. They can screen out viruses and other harmful activities on the internet and determine the traffic that can enter your devices.
That said, Mac OS X and Windows devices have their own firewalls, named Mac Firewall and Windows Firewall, respectively. But besides your computer, you may also want to set up a firewall on your router to minimize security threats.
Finally, don’t forget about using virtual private networks (VPNs). They can stop web browsers, software, and people from accessing your connection, keeping the data you send and receive anonymous.
After receiving notifications that your technological tools need an update, you might consider ignoring it. However, this can be a huge mistake since outdated systems are more susceptible to hacking.
To prevent this, regularly upgrade and update your devices and software. It can bolster their defenses against cyberattacks.
Securing your communication and data sharing with suppliers and new clients is also paramount. If possible, only use direct contact channels via trustworthy personnel. Moreover, insist on codewords to denote changes in payments, terms ,and other key details.
To further lower the risk of data theft through suppliers and clients, vet each person before granting them access to your system.
Ransomware attacks are a common form of hacking. It involves cybercriminals holding your law firm hostage by restricting your access to your data until they receive a ransom.
To eliminate this concern, store your firm information on multiple platforms and networks. Backing up your data can prevent your law firm from crumbling due to inaccessibility
Remote work is becoming more popular than ever. Although it’s helped law firms lower costs, it’s also increased security risks. Your employees might be using their own devices or networks that aren’t secure. These are ideal gateways for thieves to steal your information.
You can address this problem by rolling out your law firm’s mobile devices and allowing your team members to only work from them.
Purchasing similar domains is an effective way to boost your cybersecurity. It can lower the risk of receiving emails with malicious attachments from spoofed addresses and links to spoofed websites.
A huge number of cyberattacks take place because of employee ignorance. Some employees often click on suspicious emails and fall for phishing schemes or share their passwords without any second thoughts.
Hence, minimizing human error is a must.
Set up phishing campaigns and simulations so you can prepare your team for potential security breaches.
Not all cyberattacks originate from outside your law firm – they can also come from within.
To reduce the damage someone from your firm can inflict with hacking, restrict employee access to only some sections of your system
Cyber security should be the number one priority in all your departments and not just your IT provider. With everyone working together to shield their workplace from attacks, you’re much more likely to preserve your data
You don’t want to be idle after implementing all these defense mechanisms. Instead, conduct regular audits to identify weaknesses of your law firm’s cybersecurity. Doing so can help ensure that you patch up your vulnerabilities and upgrade your security system.
Enhancing your cybersecurity is a multifaceted procedure. It encompasses all parts of your system and numerous activities, such as incorporating software and backing up your data.
This makes the process highly complex.
For the last 40 years, Infoware has been helping law firms and other professional organizations work more efficiently. Our cost-effective Managed IT Services and Cybersecurity programs are designed to reduce risk and maintain productivity for your firm.
Contact us for a quick 10-15-minute,obligation-free chat to see if we can help keep cybersecurity threats at bay and improve your IT operations.
Email: inquiries@infoware.ca
Call: 416-360-2646
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.
