- Law firms are prime targets for cybersecurity threats, from phishing attacks to vulnerabilities in unpatched in systems. Managed service providers (MSPs) can help them build the right cybersecurity strategy.
- The right managed service provider can help law firms navigate these threats by understanding law firms’ business and compliance requirements.
- The following articles features some key cybersecurity areas to consider—and how the right MSP can help law firms build a cybersecurity strategy to operate securely, efficiently and without disruption.
For law firms today, securing client data is table stakes. They cannot run the risk of a cybersecurity breach—it threatens the foundation of their practice, which is client trust.
More than 40% of law firms have experienced a security breach. And the average cost of a data breach for law firms in 2024 was $5.08 million, a more than 10% increase from the previous year, according to a software firm for law firms.
Integris data also indicates clients gravitate toward firms that have modernized their technology stack, indicating that firms that digitally modernize earn digital trust among their clients by making efforts to secure sensitive data. Digital transformation is thus becoming a key compeitive advantage for law firms.
Further, in the survey, 66% of clients strongly prefer to work with firms that use updated technology, as noted in the report “2025 Integris Report Law Firms, Cybersecurity and AI: What Clients Really Think.
Increasingly, law firms see using digital modernization, securing clients’ senstiive data, and building a cybersecurity straegy, as key components of competitive advantage in a crowded market.
“Law firms should be using technology and showcasing a strong cybersecurity posture as a strategic differentiator against their competitors in a crowded industry,” says Greg Cooke, vice president of the Integris Legal Practice.
Components of a cybersecurity strategy for law firms
Law firms have access to a treasure trove of sensitive client data, which makes them a key target for malicious actors. Indeed, according to a recent survey, of the 39% of law firms that experienced a breach, 56% lost valuable client data. As cybercriminals refine their tactics, law firms have to stay ahead of potential threats with a layered approach to security and a zero-trust model.
From email phishing attacks to vulnerabilities in unpatched systems to insider threats, the right managed service provider can proactively secure law firms to minimize risk.
Here are various cybersecurity strategies and frameworks that are critical for law firms to secure client data and prevent a costly breach.
Email filtering software. These kinds of applications protect one of the most common cybersecurity attacks—phishing—in which malicious attackers use email messages to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or other personal data.
In recent years, of course, phishing has also been complemented by other attacks, such as smishing, deepfakes, and other social engineering scams.
Regular patching and software updates. Law firms need a systematic approach to patch management. Without rigorous patching it’s easy for malicious actors to take advantage of vulnerable applications and code. AI can help here, by providing greater automation in updating schedules. Patches should also be tested before widespread rollout.
Advanced encryption and firewall protection protocols. Law firms need to protect confidential and client data thoroughly so that anyone who wrongfully accesses it cannot make sense of it without the proper key.
Multifactor authentication. While MFA is critical, according to a recent Bar Association member survey, an average of 33% of firms use multi-factor authentication. With MFA, users must perform additional actions before they can access their accounts and applications. They may need to provide a code received via email or text when logging on. Even if a malicious actor guesses your user ID and password, they would not be able to access the system without this code.
Backup and disaster recovery planning. Law firms need to have rock-solid plans if a threat does affect key systems and data. It’s important to adopt practices such as maintaining offline backups that cannot be affected by ransomware and testing backup plans regularly. Unfortunately, according to the American Bar Association, only 43% of law firms conduct online backups of data.
Employee training. According to IBM’s cybersecurity research, human error is a contributing factor in 95% of all cybersecurity breaches. That places the onus on companies to create ongoing employee programs that focus on key threats, such as phishing, social engineering, and password protection. MSPs are uniquely positioned to provide employee training as that is core to their role.
Data compliance requirements. Law firms handle an immense amount of sensitive data—including personal identities, financial details, and health-related information, all of which must be protected.
Firms may be required to observe regionally defined data protection regulations, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, The California Consumer Privacy Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for healthcare data security, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) for credit card data, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) for the governance of corporate financial details.
Zero-trust strategy. Zero trust requires ongoing verification of users, devices, and applications attempting to access law firm networks. It eliminates implicit trust, enforcing strict authentication and monitoring policies. AI-driven identity and access management (IAM) solutions can then help firms manage authentication dynamically, detecting suspicious logins and blocking unauthorized access. With zero trust, MSPs can boost client trust, reduce downtime, and improve scalability as law firms grow
AI-powered cybersecurity. Law firms are an increasing target given their large repositories of confidential data, and a breach can be crippling.
According to a recent Capgemini Research Institute survey, 69% said that they are relying on AI tools to respond to cyberthreats. Law firms can use cybersecurity tools to monitor for threats in real time and identify anomalous behavior that might signal malicious activity. This speeds identification of threats, which can minimize the impact. Real-time threat intelligence can reduce the average time to detect and contain a breach by up to 27%.
The right MSP: Building cybersecurity strategy for law firms
If securing client data and navigating compliance requirements are table stakes for law firms, they are also table stakes for managed service providers as they work with law firms. MSPs with expertise in the legal industry can be game changers for law firms in managing IT, reducing cyber-risk, bolstering compliance with key regulation, and, ultimately, building the right cybersecurity strategy.
It’s optimum to choose an MSP with experience in your industry. An MSP that specializes in law firm technology will understand how your firm operates, along with any local, state and federal regulations you must contend with and what it takes to run a law firm’s IT department successfully.
When a managed service provider shoulders cybersecurity strategy and daily execution for a law firm, it can bolster their cybersecurity posture and also enhance operational efficiency, allowing law firms to focus more on their core business. Law firms may need a trusted adviser that can help select particular cybersecurity vendors, implement tools and cybersecurity strategies, train employees, and more.
“Law firms have unique technology, compliance, and data security needs that require more than just generic IT support,” Cooke emphasizes. “An MSP with deep experience in the legal industry understands the pressures of confidentiality, uptime, regulatory compliance and can proactively tailor solutions that empower firms to practice securely, efficiently and without disruption.”
