State of the Industry:

Law firms across the globe, known for harboring their clients’ most sensitive information, are increasingly becoming prime targets for cyberattacks. High-profile data breaches have recently made headlines, signaling an urgent need for the legal sector to strengthen their cybersecurity measures. Despite these rising threats, many legal organizations appear reluctant to significantly invest in bolstering their cybersecurity infrastructure.

Current and Emerging Threats:

The threats targeting law firms are wide-ranging and sophisticated, from ransomware wielded by petty cybercriminals to nation-state actors backed by major global powers. The attackers are drawn to the wealth of sensitive information these firms hold, including personal data, corporate secrets, and sensitive merger and acquisition details. According to Nelson, “In the first two months of 2023 alone, ten cyberattacks targeted six different law firms, leading to significant data breaches.”* However, many other breaches go unpublicized due to concerns about backlash and potential damage to reputation.

The risk to legal firms is compounded by the potential for reputational damage and the possibility of supply chain attacks, whereby the compromised law firm serves as an entry point for attacking its clients and partners. However, the daunting amount of work necessary to build their own internal security operations and the perceived high costs deter many legal sector IT leaders from adequately addressing these threats.

Solutions and CyBourn’s Customized Approach:

For law firms, adopting a proactive stance in combating the burgeoning cyber threats is imperative. Beginning with a commitment to safeguarding the most sensitive data, and adhering to basic cyber hygiene practices, they must employ best-in-class security measures and a comprehensive incident response plan. Cyber insurance coverage is crucial, and law firms should prepare for rapid, effective response to security breaches.

To address these needs, CyBourn offers a suite of tailored cybersecurity solutions:

• Vulnerability Assessments & Security Audits: We perform comprehensive assessments to pinpoint potential vulnerabilities in your systems. Detailed security audits follow to ensure your security infrastructure is solid and dependable.
• 24/7 Managed Detection and Response with EtherLast™: Our proprietary EtherLast™ platform provides round-the-clock monitoring, threat detection, and response. With the use of machine learning, customized automation, and integration of existing tools, we deliver efficient, cost-effective security.
• Incident Response: Our specialized Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) delivers robust, swift, and human-led incident response services. We prioritize active remediation, thorough analysis, and expert guidance, ensuring a human-centric approach over mere automated incident handling.
• Security Tool Configuration and Management: Our team assists in the selection and configuration of security tools. Often, we serve as an extended part of client IT teams, managing their security infrastructure.
• Compliance Advisory: Navigating the complex regulatory landscape can be challenging. Our expert compliance advisors guide businesses through this, ensuring adherence to all relevant laws and standards.
• Penetration Testing: We use rigorous testing methodologies to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers, thus preparing firms for real-world attack scenarios.
• Proactive Threat Hunting: Our team proactively seeks out and neutralizes threats before they can impact your business, reducing the chances of surprise attacks.
• Vendor Risk Management: We offer robust vendor risk management services, including security assessments, continuous threat monitoring, and swift incident response, protecting firms from third-party vulnerabilities.
• Prioritizing Insider Threats and APTs: Insider threats and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) present a unique risk. We address these threats through proactive threat hunting, behavioral analysis, and comprehensive staff training, helping to reduce the risk of inadvertent data breaches.

In Summary

In a landscape of evolving cyber threats, CyBourn provides the expertise, technology, and services necessary to secure your law firm. Together, we can navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape, ensuring your legal practice remains resilient, protected, and compliant.

^{* Sharon D. Nelson Esq., President of Sensei Enterprises, Inc., June 29, 2023; https://senseient.com/ride-the-lightning/cyberattacks-law-firms-are-taking-a-beating/}