Ian Bedford, general manager of Access Managed Services
By Legal Futures Associate Access Legal
Cyber attacks make up 75 percent of crime reported in the UK and law firms that hold a great deal of sensitive personal information and financial details are therefore likely targets for hackers.
As part of its ongoing drive to support legal firms, and during cyber security awareness month in October, legal software provider Access Legal has launched an ‘Ultimate Cyber Security Guide’ on how law firms and their employees can analyse the risks. The report includes tips to spot the early signs of a cyber attack, including signs of scam emails or calls, how to keep the office environment secure and the importance of securing passwords, while staying compliant with regulators.
Access Legal’s customers emphasised the priority of security at a recent cybersecurity event. Sally Wileman, practice manager at Astle Paterson Solicitors, shared that “being as safe as possible, but not resting on our laurels” is key. In contrast, others highlighted the importance of user training and dealing with breaches and Olu Modupe, IT manager at Lawson West Solicitors Limited added that “keeping the company’s data and client’s data safe” is critical.
Ian Bedford, general manager of Access Managed Services, part of Access Legal, said: “The cyber economy continues to grow, as does the need for continuous protection and compliance, and we help all-size organisations to maintain the highest levels of security and remain compliant with industry-leading accreditation.”
A full risk assessment or cyber audit, like one offered by Access Legal, can help law firms discover where the most significant risks to their business lie – in their office environment, technology, tech supplier or employees. A complete check can ensure the firm’s data is being stored securely and identify areas where extra training is needed for staff to minimise the risk of cyber attacks or data breaches.
Ensuring devices used by employees, whether at home or in the office, have the necessary protection and the latest security updates installed is also vital to protect them from potential cyber attacks. Access Managed Services provides fully managed IT solutions for businesses to ensure the security of their data, line of business applications, identities and physical assets to protect their firm.
Access Group recently appointed Diego Baldini in a new role as chief information security officer to further support delivery to customers. Diego brings 23 years of international and multicultural experience, leadership of security, risk and compliance on a global scale, and being a significant influencer in the cyber community.
More details of precautions law firms should take can be found in Access Legal’s ‘Ultimate Cyber Security Guide’ or at the National Cyber Security Centre.
