Why Canadian Law Firms Need Strong Cyber Security Now

The practice of law is one of the most challenging things to get into. However, running a firm is entirely at a different level. Not only do you look after your partners, associates, and all other team members, you also take care of your clients. As it deals with the law, it is also among the practices with strict regulations especially when it comes to legal data protections. That is why it is imperative to have robust cyber security for law firms, Canada.  

Unfortunately, aside from threats encountered online, one of the most common sources of data leak are the devices that fall into the wrong hands. Since lawyers and their associates are also very mobile, this is becoming all too common. Hence risking client confidentiality and regulation compliance.

cyber security for law firms, Canada and laptop security

Tip Shouldn’t Skip for Laptop Safety While Traveling  

Bringing a laptop while mobile can be incredibly useful. However, it comes with additional responsibility. No matter if your lawyers or firm associate are on a business trip or a vacation, the device holds valuable personal and professional data. In case it gets lost or stolen, replacing it can cost a lot more than its dollar value. Here are some tips that will help ensure your laptop’s safety as part of cyber security for law firms, Canada.  

Secure Your Online Safety with VPN and Antivirus  

Public Wi-Fi is everywhere. But despite the convenience, these networks can pose serious risks in legal data protection. This is because the majority of the public networks are non-encrypted. It implies that hackers can easily steal your data through the network. A study showed that users of public Wi-Fi have experienced having their information stolen.  Mostly, these attacks were done in cafes, hotels, and airports.  

You can ensure continued client confidentiality and regulation compliance by having your team use a virtual private network (VPN) at all times. This ensures encryption of information, hence, preventing any attacker from looking into your data. It acts as a secure tunnel between your laptop and the internet, keeping your online activity private. In the same vein, reliable antivirus software should also be running in all devices with client or case information. This will block malware that you or your team can unknowingly download.   

Tracking Your Device  

In case the laptop goes missing, tracking software can help your team locate and retrieve it. If you’re using Windows 10 or 11, enable Find My Device through your Microsoft account. This option can make you understand where your laptop was last known. You can also lock your device remotely or reset the password to protect client confidentiality and ensure regulation compliance. This, however, only works when three conditions are met.  

• You can secure your account if your Microsoft account has admin access. 
• Location settings have been activated. 
• Your machine is online. 

For better cyber security for law firms, Canada, you can also consider using third-party software such as Absolute Home and Office. This software is embedded in BIOS, and therefore, it is difficult to remove even by clearing the hard drive. Therefore, you’ll still have the ability to keep track of it even with the attempt to cleanse the device.   

cyber security for law firms, Canada and laptop security2

Label Your Laptop for Easy Identification  

It might sound simplistic, but adding a label to your device can be incredibly helpful in getting it back if it’s ever misplaced. Place a label on your laptop that includes your firm’s name, user’s name, contact number, and address. You may pin it to the bottom or leave a note in your laptop case. If someone finds your device, they’ll know how to return it. Additionally, it would also be a good idea to take note of the laptop details before your trip. This must include the brand and model of laptop, serial number, and unique identifiers such as color or sticker. These details can be very helpful when filing a police report or making an insurance claim for a lost or stolen device.  

Smart Habits for Physical Protection  

Never let your laptop out of sight in public areas, this is one of the best ways of cyber security for law firms, Canada. When you have no choice but to leave it at the hotel, lock it in a room safe. If there is none available, have it safely kept by hotel employees such as those at the front desk. Electronic travel insurance that covers full replacement cost in case of loss of theft is also necessary. If your laptop has a Kensington lock slot, you can secure it with a compatible cable lock to prevent theft in public spaces. Otherwise, purchase a cable lock that can fit in its ports to prevent robberies in populated locations such as cafes or coworking places. This ensures continuous client confidentiality and ensures regulation compliance despite working in public spaces.  

Additionally, you may want to add a hard-shell, water-resistant bag, or padded case to avoid physical damage. On flights, keep your laptop in your seat instead of storing it in the overhead bin as luggage can shift within these compartments during flights which can cause damage.  

Pack the Right Accessories  

A universal travel adapter that can work in the countries you visit. It must be able to withstand 100-240V and be surge protected. Your laptop can be fried by the power of unknown sockets. Furthermore, USB ports in the streets should be avoided for cyber security for law firms, Canada. This is because of juice jacking. It is a method used by hackers, infects devices by loading malware into the open USB chargers that devices are plugged into. It is always safer to have your own wall charger and the travel adapter instead. Use a charge-only cable if you need to use a USB port to ensure that power can flow in, but it will block data transfer and thus meet legal data protection regulations.  

Be Prepared, Not Paranoid  

Travelling with a laptop should not become a danger to your commitment to meet legal data protection. Simply take these clever security measures for you and your firm’s apartment and personnel. If you are still worried about cyber security for law firms. Canada-based IT and cybersecurity provider, EB Solution is here to help.  

Call us today!