Contents
Introduction
Unfortunately, “I object!” won’t stop a cyberattack, but that doesn’t mean you should stand idly by.
In this article, we will look at 10 steps you can take to secure your legal practice in 2025.
But first…
Let’s rewind to June 2024.
A London-based law firm lost access to over 200GB of confidential client data after falling victim to a ransomware attack. Their operations froze, hearings were delayed, and reputations were damaged overnight.
Unfortunately, this isn’t fiction.
In fact, over 75% of UK law firms reported being targeted by cybercriminals in the past year alone. And as the legal sector becomes more digital, with e-disclosure platforms, online case files and hybrid working, these attacks are only increasing in sophistication.
Whether you’re a solo solicitor or managing partner at a 200-person firm this article can help.
So, let’s dive straight in.
1. Understand Your Risk Profile
Start with the basics. What data do you store? Who has access? What systems do you rely on daily?
Think of this as your cyber health check.
Top Tip: Map out your most sensitive data (client case files, financials, employee records), and identify where it’s stored, whether it’s in the cloud, on-premise, or somewhere in between. If you don’t know what you’re protecting, you can’t protect it.
If you want to learn more about your attack surface and how to assess it, check out our article: What is an Attack Surface Assessment? If you really want a thorough understanding of of your attack surface, check out our Attack Surface Assessment services.
2. Train Your Staff (and Partners!)
Nearly 95% of cyber attacks begin with human error. Think phishing emails, weak passwords, or sending sensitive documents to the wrong person.
From paralegals to partners, everyone in your practice should undergo regular cybersecurity awareness training.
- Test them. Run simulated phishing campaigns.
- Teach them. Cover password hygiene, multi-factor authentication, and secure document sharing.
- Remind them. One click can cost millions.
3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
If you’re not using MFA, you’re leaving the door wide open. MFA adds a second layer of security, so even if a hacker gets a password, they can’t get in.
Enable MFA on email, case management software, client portals, and any tool that stores sensitive data.
4. Secure Your Remote Workers
Remote and hybrid working are now the norm in law firms, but they’re also a gift to hackers.
If your team is logging into sensitive files from cafés or home Wi-Fi, make sure they’re doing it securely:
- Use company-issued devices where possible
- Encrypt all devices and hard drives
- Require VPN access when offsite
- Set up timeouts and auto-locking screens
Remember: flexibility shouldn’t come at the cost of confidentiality.
5. Regularly Back Up Your Data
Backups are your legal practice’s get-out-of-jail card.
If you’re hit with ransomware, a recent and secure backup could mean the difference between total data loss and full recovery, without paying the ransom.
- Schedule automatic backups
- Test them regularly
- Store copies off-site or in secure cloud environments
6. Patch and Update Your Software
Legal tech is powerful, but also vulnerable if left outdated.
From case management software to WordPress sites, any tool left unpatched can become a gateway for attackers.
Software updates often fix known security issues. So update everything, often, not just your computer, but your plugins, printers, and even routers.
7. Segment Your Network
Not every intern or temp needs access to your entire client database.
By segmenting your network (i.e. restricting access based on roles), you limit the damage a hacker can do if they get in.
- Use “least privilege access” policies
- Monitor logins and flag unusual access behaviour
8. Encrypt Sensitive Communications
Emailing a contract? Sharing a court bundle?
Ensure everything you send is encrypted, both in transit and at rest.
- Use secure client portals for document exchange
- Enable end-to-end encryption for emails
- Avoid consumer tools like Dropbox or WeTransfer unless they meet legal compliance standards
9. Have a Cyber Incident Response Plan
Hope for the best. Prepare for the breach.
If a cyber incident happens, who leads? Who notifies clients? Who calls your insurer? Every minute matters.
- Document the process
- Set clear roles and communication chains
- Keep client and regulatory reporting obligations in mind
Did you know? The ICO can fine you for not reporting data breaches within 72 hours.
Want to learn more about how to develop an Incident Response Plan? Check out our article.
10. Partner with a Cybersecurity Expert
You don’t need to become a cybersecurity guru, but you do need one in your corner.
The right partner can offer:
- Penetration testing (pentests should be conducted at least annually)
- Threat monitoring
- Incident response
- Compliance support (SRA, ICO, GDPR)
With legal sector experience, they’ll know where the vulnerabilities lie, and how to fix them fast.
Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue. It’s a reputational, operational, and legal issue. Your clients trust you with their most sensitive information, from NDAs to wills to merger docs. Protecting that data is no longer optional. It’s a professional obligation.
These 10 steps aren’t just about protection. They’re about preparation. And in cybersecurity, just like in court, being prepared is everything.
So, how secure is your legal practice?