Why You Need Anti-Virus Protection for Your Law Firm

Attorneys are often privy to some of the most private details of their clients’ lives.

The relationship an attorney has with their client is extremely important and sensitive, hence the legal protections they must have to ensure the confidentiality of their conversations.

Just as the Hippocratic Oath is a guiding principle for doctors, attorney-client privilege is paramount in the legal field.

So, it makes sense that attorneys should prioritize the security of sensitive information regarding clients.

The security of that information is even more important in our current digital age.

If you use any type of software to enter or store sensitive client information (and who doesn’t these days?), then anti-virus protection is one of the most important tools you can use to protect it.

The Dangers of Not Using Anti-Virus Protection

First, you need to protect your client’s information against hackers who could potentially take that information and use it against you or your client.

If you think this sounds far-fetched, think again.

In May 2020, Variety reported that the law firm Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks was hacked in a ransomware attack.

This type of attack involves hackers locking down access to computers and important files until they’re paid an exorbitant fee.

The firm’s clients at the time of the hack included Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Nicki Minaj, Christina Aguilera, and Mariah Carey.

In this case, the hackers themselves claimed to be in possession of contracts, nondisclosure agreements, phone numbers, and email addresses of the firm’s clients, putting enormous pressure on the firm to pay up.

Don’t Assume You Won’t Be Targeted

Let’s assume that you aren’t representing pop stars or A-list celebrities.

Ransomware attacks still happen to everyday people and businesses, and a law firm’s unprotected computer system is a sitting duck for hackers.

Even if your client’s information isn’t stolen, the functionality of your software could still be compromised by a computer virus.

This could create a litany of problems, including blocked access to vital information or corrupted files and hard drives.

Don’t Take Chances—Ensure the Safety of Your Information

The takeaway is clear: you need to install and maintain anti-virus protection on any and all computer hardware your firm uses.

That’s true for systems dedicated to everything from document processing software to practice management systems and more.

We suggest looking for anti-virus software that checks the following boxes:

• It’s easy to install and use.
• It doesn’t slow down your computer or applications.
• It features strong malware-detection capacities.

Most anti-virus protection software is available with a free trial. Take advantage of that trial to make sure it meets your needs.

Stick with reputable providers who offer stellar customer service.

You might need to invest some time and energy into researching your options, but it’s well worth it.

The work you put into finding the right anti-virus protection will give you peace of mind and, most importantly, a secure digital environment for your clients’ information.

Looking for a Practice Management Software? Try backdocket

At backdocket, we know how important your client’s information is for your firm.

If you’re in the market for a practice management software built to make your life easier and grow your law firm, we want to give you a free demonstration.

Contact us today to start the conversation.

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