As we delve deeper into the realm of cybersecurity, the legal industry faces a stark reality: a significant deficit in awareness. The recent '2023 State of Cyber Maturity for Australian Law Firms' report by DotSec has uncovered a significant gap in cybersecurity awareness within the legal sector, putting both legal professionals and their clients at risk.
This article delves into the pressing issue of cybersecurity in Australian law firms and highlights how firms can bridge this critical gap. With cyber threats on the rise and security breaches becoming more sophisticated, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more apparent.
Prioritising cybersecurity
Cyber threats targeting legal professionals are on the rise with criminals continually evolving their tactics to exploit vulnerabilities. This dynamic landscape requires law firms to be on their guard, as the consequences of a security breach can be severe, resulting in data leaks, legal liabilities, and loss of client trust.
Legal firms that prioritise cybersecurity and take a proactive approach to protect their clients' data are more likely to succeed in attracting clients and building trust. In an era where data breaches can tarnish reputations, firms that invest in robust security measures gain a competitive advantage.
One striking finding of the report is that only 48% of legal professionals are confident that their firm can detect and respond to security breaches. This lack of confidence is concerning, highlighting the urgent need for legal firms to re-evaluate their cybersecurity strategies.
Bridging the gap
A solid starting point for firms wanting to increase their security measures is to partner with a tech company that innovates secure solutions. InfoTrack is a certified compliant entity with ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and 9001:2015, and offer an array of training, resources, and solutions to aid legal firms in fortifying their cyber defences.
Complimentary Cyber Security Awareness Training: InfoTrack provides complimentary CPD training to help legal professionals and their teams understand the nuances of cybersecurity. The training focuses on topics including, how to identify fraud activity, how to protect yourself from hacking attempts and what to do if your firm is hacked.
Complimentary Cyber Safety Guide: This resource provides information to your clients on the ways in which cyber criminals may attempt to intercept their personal details and is an asset in the onboarding process.
Complimentary CPD webinars: We have partnered with industry experts to create on demand webinars tailored to addressing cybersecurity concerns and management in your business.
Secure workspace with Securexchange: Sharing sensitive information, such as bank details and documents, has never been more secure. Securexchange offers a protected environment for such transactions.
InfoTrackID for identity verification: InfoTrackID is a user-friendly online identity verification platform that ensures Verification of Identity (VOI) is done to the same high standard every time, whether in person, remotely, or through trusted agents. This process includes verification against the Australian Government Document Verification Service (DVS) to reduce fraudulent activity.
SignIT for electronic signing: SignIT provides a cutting-edge electronic signing solution, with the added security of a DocuSign audit trail report. For enhanced security, SMS verification can be integrated into the SignIT process.
The '2023 State of Cyber Maturity for Australian Law Firms' report serves as a reminder that cyber threats are a present challenge, and firms must proactively address this issue to safeguard their clients' data and their firm’s reputation. InfoTrack's resources and solutions, including training, guides, and secure platforms, offer a promising avenue for legal firms to bolster their defences in an increasingly digital world. By embracing these tools, legal professionals can not only enhance their cybersecurity but also gain a competitive edge by showcasing their commitment to protecting client data and confidentiality.
