Two Reminders to Update and Upgrade your Legal Tech

1.   Cybersecurity Audit: Strengthening the Digital Fortress

Companies that hold sensitive or identifiable information are the most common targets for cyber breaches. Take financial institutions like banks, for example, which store credit card details, bank account information, and personal client data. While firms may not handle such extensive data, they remain appealing targets for the information they handle. According to Comparitech, cyber attacks in 2020 affected 78% of Canadian companies, a number that increased to 85.7% the following year. With the escalating frequency of cyber attacks, it is imperative that firms take proactive measures to protect themselves and their clients.

Security Protocol Updates:
Examine the current security protocols and verify that they are up to date and in-line with the latest industry standards. It is imperative to update security measures constantly to preserve a secure digital environment. In 2023, as reported by Ottawa Life, Canada allocated $80 million to the Cyber Security Innovation Network (CSIN) program. This initiative aims to enhance Canada's competitiveness in the cybersecurity sector, ensuring the cyber resilience of critical infrastructure, safeguarding citizen data privacy and safety, and strengthening the assurance of digital ecosystems. As these threats continue to persist and evolve, it is crucial to stay abreast of industry standards and maintain a proactive stance in cybersecurity. To remain at the forefront, it's essential to regularly review, educate and enforce security protocols and procedures. Here are some policies that we believe are essential to uphold:

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  This is an extra layer of security beyond an username and password which will make it harder for unauthorised individuals to access accounts.
• Using Applications Vetted by the Firm
  This policy ensures that software and tools employed within an organisation meet certain standards of reliability, integrity, and security which will reduce the risks of malware attacks.
• Strong Passwords
  Surprisingly, according to Cybernews the most common password in 2024 is still ‘123456’. If this is your password, this is your sign to change it. Passwords need to be unique and complicated which means that your passwords should not repeat across different platforms. Use a combination of numbers, characters, and symbols. Use a trusted password management tool to ensure passwords remain secure like LastPass.
• Secure Communications
  Review any vulnerabilities across your communication channels and look to mitigate them. Encrypt your emails and look into communication apps that offer end-to-end encryption across multiple methods of messaging.
• Staff Training
  Educate employees to recognise and avoid phishing emails, as hackers refine tactics to mimic official communication. Implement mandatory security training for new hires and conduct regular staff training sessions, ensuring ongoing vigilance for maintaining a secure environment in the firm.

2.  Software and Tools Review: Elevating Efficiency through Technology

Evaluate the effectiveness of your legal tech stack. Is it doing everything that it should or is it generating more work? This is also your time to listen to your staff and employees for any pain points that they have with the current technology. Are employees avoiding a certain software because it's difficult to use? If parts of your legal tech stack are slowing down, or becoming inefficient, it may be time to review and consider the types of software your law firm might need. Here are the top three that we suggest taking a look at:

• Case Management Systems
  

  Assess the efficiency of case management systems; consider upgrading to those offering automation and customisable workflows.

  Examples: FileVine, Clio, LEAP

• Accounting Software
  

  Evaluate user-friendliness, learning curves, and vendor support.

  Examples: Soluno, PC Law, GhostPractice

• Automation Software
  

  Assess efficiency, time savings, and user-friendliness.

  Examples: Tracument, CiteRight, eConveyance