What Is YOUR Biggest Cyberthreat? Navigating the Cyberthreats to Law Firms...

The intersection between the Legal world and Cybersecurity is both simple and complicated. There is a general understanding of the 5 Ws. Who gets targeted? What causes them to be such an easy target? When does this happen? Where does this happen? What do cybercriminals gain?

What we don’t always understand is how they do it. How do they gain access to your personal files, how do they get away with it, how do they pawn off information for money?

The extent of the methodology and strategies that hackers use is innumerable. There are countless ways in which they complete successful hacks and breaches. One of the most understood, common, and expansive strategies is Malware.

What is it?

Malware is a term that refers to malicious software. It is exactly as it sounds. Software created by cybercriminals with malicious intent to steal data, money, etc. There are different types of malwares that are used for different intents, but once they are installed into a device, they have free range to access whatever they would like.

How can YOU get it?

Unfortunately, malware is extremely versatile on how it can sneak into your device. With advancing technologies, the techniques are only growing. ?

They can be attached to links in phishing emails. By simply clicking on planted links, you could unintentionally be installing malware. Visiting contaminated websites, even opening a document file could accidentally begin the process of malware being installed.

For legal firms, it is even easier for malware to hide in places you would not expect. You could be sent fake court documents, testimonies, or other relative legal documents that disguise themselves as timely, important, and real. Once these are opened, malware could be installing itself onto your desktop.

What are the different types?

As mentioned above, there are different types of malwares that are planted to complete different actions. AV-TEST Institute records nearly 500,000 new malware and unwanted applications every day. Clearly these can be broken down much more extensively and branch off into other malwares, but here are 6 common classifications we think you should know about.

1.??? Ransomware

Ransomware is a very common form of malware hackers use on legal firms. It is hidden in links or files, just like any malware, and once they are opened, this software has access to all sensitive information on a device.

It is common for hackers to then eliminate your access to this sensitive data and only release it once a monetary sum is paid. This malware encrypts your personal data and is programmed to keep it locked down until the money is received.

Ransomware is unfortunately an extremely popular technique when targeting law firms due to the number of documents sent around. With a high traffic of files being shared in this industry, this is a very customary approach that hackers take.

Capterra constructed a survey that yielded some shocking results. Here are a few:

As of June 2021, 1 in 3 law firms have been attacked by ransomware attacks in the last 12 months.

Just under 70% of attacked firms pay the demanded ransom.

Only 65% of the firms that pay ransoms actually get access of their data back.

Although these statistics are from 2021, it is frightening to know this was the state of security just 3 years ago. How much has changed for your legal firm or firms you know since then?

Ransomware attacks are expected to increase 25% this calendar year.

2.??? Spyware

Spyware works as almost a surveillance camera for your sensitive data. It detects where this valuable information is, and communicates your data back to an obscure user. This software is secretly watching and consuming all of your private data.

The main motive for spyware is to steal information. This could be personal information, business information, or information about your clients. It also is important to keep in mind that different malwares can overlap. It is common for spyware and ransomware to be used together.

3.??? Adware

Adware is an interesting malware because it is not necessarily a threat. This software collects data about you based on your activity in order to provide advertisements catered to your interests.

This software is important to be wary of because it can lead you to dangerous sites that contain additional malware. It can also lead to copious amounts of pop-ups and banners that slow down your device.

4.??? Worms

Worms are another form of software that spread extremely quick once they are installed onto your device. Once they are in, they multiply extremely fast and essentially turn your computer into a zombie. Losing lots of operational programming and even data. ??

5.??? Trojans

Trojans are different because they are disguised as helpful. They are in hidden in files that may be seen as useful or even harmless. Due to their crafty disguise, 58% of known computer malware are identified as Trojans. Like all malware, once they are downloaded into your device, they seek user access in order to change or even remove data from your device.

6.??? Virus

Similar to worms, viruses can also turn your device into somewhat of a zombie. There are two differences between worms and viruses. Viruses wait around in a file until that file is opened, but they are not able to begin anything until the file they sit in is opened. They could be sitting there for years. On average, 5 infected files are found per MacBook user. The second big difference is that worms can spread from one computer to another, while viruses need to be sent into another device by software. Viruses are extremely common, 62% of all MacBooks are infected with computer viruses. They may not always seem like they are affecting your device but over time they will slowly shut down operating parts and databases.? ?

How do you detect malware?

The most effective way to scan for malware on your device is to have an antivirus software installed on your device. This software is made to detect malware or any other suspicious activity that could lead to malware.

How can you protect your firm?

Not only do you want to be able to detect malware, but you also want to prevent it. The answer to this is also finding a trustworthy antivirus software. There are many benefits of utilizing antivirus software beyond malware prevention and detection.

What should your next steps be?

There are countless threats when it comes to malware. As educated or dedicated you may be, it is nearly impossible to be able to detect, prevent, and remove malware from your own devices, let alone an entire firm. Finding and installing an antivirus software is a great way to improve the protection of your firm. There are specialized companies, like us, that can help you understand and choose a software that is effective and successful.

We want to help you find the protection that not only ensures the security of your information, but your clients information as well.