Richard Luna, CEO of Protected Harbor, speaking about cybersecurity at Legal Week, New York, March 2023

“Having a plan for mitigating cyber threats and investing in cybersecurity, equipment and software is critical for law firms. Potential clients should ask their attorneys about how they protect data when they are choosing a firm to work with.”

ORANGEBURG, N.Y. (PRWEB) March 29, 2023

Protected Harbor, an IT Managed Service Provider supporting law firms and other sectors, announced today the release of the company’s 2023 Law Firm Data Breach Trend Report (https://bit.ly/LawFirmDataBreachReport)The 12-page Trend Report focuses on the many cyber threats law firms face, as well as best practices for preventing data breaches and cyber-attacks. In 2022 alone, more than 100 law firms in more than 17 states reported incidents of cyber-attacks and data breaches. Law firms are at great risk of data breaches, ransomware, viruses and other attacks which often lead to significant reputational harm, financial damage and the loss of clients. The report found that law firms are particularly vulnerable because cyber-criminals have identified them as easy targets.

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), 27% of law firms experienced a security breach and 46% of attorneys reported their firms had a cyber liability insurance policy. Hackers and cyber-criminals target a law firm’s IT infrastructure in many ways. These include exploiting vulnerabilities associated with email and email servers, phishing scams, Wi-Fi network access point attacks and breaches that deploy ransomware on computers and data servers. Personal devices, including mobile phones, desktops, laptops and other wireless devices, are all potential points of attack, the report outlines.

“Many small and medium size law firms fail to invest in IT upgrades and cybersecurity. In addition, we have found they often do not have an in-house IT department or specialists. This leaves them vulnerable and cyber-criminals know this,” said Richard Luna, CEO of Protected Harbor. “While larger firms often have IT departments, they are typically understaffed, overburdened and not up-to-date with technology and new forms of cyber-attacks. This leaves them unprepared and unable to respond to new types of attacks which are evolving every day.”

Mr. Luna recommends firms contract with managed IT service providers (MSPs) who are up-to-date with their knowledge, proactive with their monitoring of technology and have the ability to design systems that are less vulnerable to attack.

“Having a plan for mitigating cyber threats and investing in cybersecurity, equipment and software is critical for law firms. Potential clients should ask their attorneys about how they protect data when they are choosing a firm to work with. If they don’t have a good answer, clients should look to another firm,” Luna added.

The 2023 Trend Report also offers strategies for assisting firms on how to avoid attacks. Firms can start off by offering training and education for all employees, including firm partners, about potential threats such as identifying phishing, fraud and ransomware attacks through company emails. Other recommendations include contracting with an experienced MSP, upgrading software regularly, using spam and virus scanning filters and having a completely separate backup system for critical data and client files. Firms should also have procedures in place for password management, remote connections and use of USB and other data storage devices on firm networks.

“We encourage law firms to use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Using 2FA adds an extra layer of protection, especially when an employee’s credentials become compromised or they lose a work device or smartphone,” added Luna

For more information about Protected Harbors 2023 Law Firm Data Breach Trend Report visit https://bit.ly/LawFirmDataBreachReport to learn more about Protected Harbor and the company’s service visit https://protectedharbor.com/.

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About Protected Harbor

Founded in 1986, Protected Harbor is headquartered in Orangeburg, New York just north of New York City. A leading IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) the company works directly with businesses and not-for-profits to transform their technology to enhance efficiency and protect them from cyber threats. The company experience near 100 percent up time and have access to professionals 24/7, 365. The company’s IT professionals focus on excellence in execution, providing comprehensive cost-effective managed IT service and solutions. Experts and engineers understand infrastructure design to network operations including security, storage, connectivity, monitoring, and much more. They ensure that technology operated efficiently and all systems communicate with each other seamlessly. For more information visit: https://protectedharbor.com/.

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