Modern legal technology solutions are increasingly cloud-based. The cloud has many advantages including accessibility, redundancy, back-ups, and low maintenance. But it also comes with perceived cybersecurity issues. As a law firm, you want to ensure that your clients’ sensitive data is kept safe no matter what. So, how secure is the cloud, really?
What is The Cloud?
The notion of “the cloud” as some ephemeral entity somewhere in the sky is inaccurate. “The cloud” is actually a collection of servers, working together to store data. If one server goes down, one of the others can pick up the slack. The most reputable cloud providers keep their servers in very secure environments. For example, Amazon keeps theirs behind three sets of crash-proof walls, complete with badge requirements, pin numbers, and more.
Cloud Providers are Security Experts
Most law firms, especially smaller ones, don’t have a designated IT staff member. Even when they do, this IT person usually doesn’t focus solely on cybersecurity. They probably have many other responsibilities from setting up new hires to rebooting the printer.
Compared to your in-house server solution, cloud providers have teams of professionals dedicated to keeping your information safe. This doesn’t mean that hacks never happen, but their security is much better than what most law firms use currently.
Employees are Your Biggest Cybersecurity Threat
“The cloud” is often unfairly blamed for cybersecurity breaches. Most of the hacks making headlines today are actually due to poor security measures on the part of the victim. Every cybersecurity expert will tell you, employees are your biggest security threat.
It’s easy for a staff member to unknowingly create a vulnerability in your data security. Don’t let this happen to you. Training employees on cybersecurity topics like strong passwords and recognizing phishing scams can significantly reduce the likelihood of your law firm being hacked.
Bottom Line: The Cloud is Safe for Law Firms
In many ways, storing your law firm’s data is safer than storing it on an in-house server. Combined with the increased speed, flexibility, and cost benefits of the cloud, it’s no surprise many law firms are making the switch. However, any technology is only as safe as the employees that use it. If making the move to the cloud, ensure that you also educate employees on proper cyber safety. Good passwords are only the beginning.
CASEpeer is a cloud-based case management solution for personal injury attorneys. The security of your data is very important to us, and we take every possible precaution to protect law firms’ information. We seek to educate attorneys and their staff on improving cyber security measures. For more cybersecurity and practice management tips, follow our blog.