Changing times

The era of paper-based practices is fading quickly. Many Irish law firms are adopting new and innovative technologies, from digital dictation to flexible remote working solutions.

Clients are also demanding more in terms of leveraging technology to deliver efficient and cost-effective services. High-profile and security-conscious clients are asking how their solicitors ensure the confidentiality and security of their data. This is especially true in litigation, where a firm will hold sensitive data relating to their clients.

The giant claw

In what may come as a surprise, the majority of sophisticated data breaches start with an innocent click on a booby-trapped email attachment or website link. As such, firms are exposed to a similar threat landscape as many other businesses, primarily due to the fact that they hold money and valuable data.

Simon Collins is a cyber security expert and director of EY, which helps organisations to mitigate risk from online fraud. Writing for the Gazette, he outlines some of the most significant threats facing Irish law firms, along with practical advice for practitioners to protect themselves and their clients.

• Read the full article in the May 2017 Gazette

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