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Cyber security assessments: a crucial tool for law firms
A cyber security assessment offers the chance to identify and address weaknesses – before an attack.
Protecting electronic information and IT assets is paramount for all organisations, including law firms. A cyber security assessment is a structured analysis of how effectively an organisation defends against threats such as unauthorised access, data breaches, or ransomware attacks.
What Does an assessment involve?
The primary goal of a cyber security assessment is to evaluate how well a law firm manages security risks related to electronic information and IT systems. By identifying weaknesses, firms can take proactive steps to strengthen their defences.
A cyber security assessment examines both technical and non-technical aspects of a law firm's defences. It covers a range of issues, including IT infrastructure, policies and training, and risk factors relevant to the organisation.
The assessment results in a formal report, detailing findings and recommendations for risk mitigation.
When should cyber security assessments be conducted?
Cyber security assessments should be proactive, rather than reactive after a breach. Given the ever-evolving threat landscape, regularly assessing security measures keeps a law firm ahead of potential risks.
While there is no formal requirement for frequency, annual assessments may be required for firms that seek to maintain certain quality standards. Otherwise, the timing and scope depend on the firm’s specific needs, IT structure, and any recent cyber threats.
While a law firm can perform its own assessment, an independent third-party expert can offer important objectivity and credibility.
Key components of a cyber security assessment
A thorough cyber security assessment evaluates how policies, processes, people, and systems contribute to security. It typically covers the following:
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IT governance
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Risk management
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Asset management
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Supply chain security
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Identity and access control
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System security
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Data protection
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Business continuity
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Security monitoring
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Staff awareness and training
Assessment ‘do’s and ‘don’t’s
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Agree on the scope of the cybersecurity assessment and prioritise the risks to be assessed, based on the importance of the electronic information and assets that a law firm needs to protect.
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Focus on the safety and security of the office and client account in the operational processes of a busy law firm
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Ensure that the assessment is written so that a non-technical audience can understand it, and that findings and recommendations are clearly articulated and proportionate.
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Ensure that the findings, both good and bad, are communicated to senior management and that the identified risks are managed.
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Understand how the carrying out of a cybersecurity risk assessment impacts on your cybersecurity insurance, as it may be a prerequisite or assist with lowering your exposure.
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Delay a cybersecurity risk assessment. Even if in ‘year one’ you carry out the assessment in-house, and only by ‘year three’ you decide to outsource it to an independent professional, at least you are on your way to making your law firm as secure as it can be.
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Forget to start improving your defences – understanding the level of risk within your law firm is better than not attempting it at all.
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Cut corners to make a law firm look good – findings can be most valuable when they are objectively verifiable and not based on subjective opinions.
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Ignore any findings and recommendations.
Cyber security assessments are valuable tools for law firms to take an honest, informed look at how they protect sensitive information, maintain client trust, and avoid the severe consequences of a breach.
Learn more
This is an abbreviated version of ‘Potential Threats’, published in the Aug / Sept 2023 Law Society Gazette.
