More than most, organisations in the legal industry have the responsibility of following data governance and regulatory practices. Law firms handle critical data for their clients, so keeping this information secure is vital for building client relationships.
A cyber breach can massively damage the reputation of a law firm and can lead to a loss of existing and prospective clients too. In the booming legal market of Leeds, ripe with competition, this is a risk SME law firms simply cannot afford.
Not to mention the potential fines that can result from failing to have adequate cyber security measures in place. UK GDPR infringements can result in penalties of up to £17.5 million or four perfect of a company’s annual global turnover – whichever is greater. Many law firms lack the financial capacity to bounce back from these significant attacks.
As mentioned, law firms handle highly sensitive and confidential client information, ranging from intellectual property to financial records. A breach of this information can result in severe consequences, both legal and financial, against the firm.
SME law firms have limited budgets and resources compared to larger law firms. This can mean they have less capacity to invest in the personnel or systems they need to mitigate the risk of cyber security incidents. Even with a wealth of knowledge in technology, knowing the best approach for updating software and systems can be challenging.
Furthermore, the subsequent lack of cyber security training in the workplace can leave law firms susceptible to these cyber-attacks. This knowledge can lead cyber attackers to view SME law firms as the perfect target for cyber-criminal activity.
Following the aftermath of the pandemic, there has been a massive shift in the way organisations work. From remote to hybrid working, it has become increasingly difficult for law firms to ensure the correct measures and being taken to prevent unauthorised access to client information and company systems.
From cyber-attacks and data breaches to secure communication and compliance, we have an upcoming event to provide valuable insights and practical solutions to protect your firm’s reputation, assets, and clients.
Join our LegalTech in Leeds event, part of Leeds Digital Festival and explore how you can create a secure and resilient future for SME law firms in an increasingly digital landscape.