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You are viewing ARCHIVED CONTENT released online between 1 April 2010 and 24 August 2018 or content that has been selectively archived and is no longer active. Content in this archive is NOT UPDATED, and links may not function.Extract of article by Judy Selby and John Riggi
The legal profession has finally realized there’s no escaping the digital revolution — and the technology risks that come with it. And like every other industry that deals in information, law firms are vulnerable to cyber espionage and data exploitation.
Several recent data breaches at prestigious firms have highlighted that 1) law firms have access to a treasure trove of confidential information that makes them prime targets; 2) most are woefully unprepared to defend, detect and respond to a cyberattack, and 3) many law firms underfund information security technology and employee training.
In an industry founded on the legal and ethical obligation to keep information confidential, a data breach erodes trust and may even be grounds for legal and regulatory actions. But a data breach isn’t the only way an insufficient cybersecurity posture can harm a business. Law firms that cannot withstand a cyber “vetting” may find themselves unable to compete for many clients’ work or retain existing relationships.