Law firms are sitting on a goldmine of sensitive data, and cybercriminals know it. That’s why cybersecurity for law firms has become one of the most urgent issues in legal technology. Between ransomware attacks, phishing scams, and outdated law firm IT security systems, firms face more digital threats today than ever before.

Let’s break down why the legal industry is such a popular target, how ransomware gets in, and how cloud-based platforms like Litify can help you stay ahead of it.

Why law firms are such attractive targets

Legal professionals handle high-value information every day, like personal injury records, corporate deals, financial statements, and client correspondence. For a hacker, stealing or freezing that data is a direct path to leverage and payout.

Small and midsize firms used to be able to avoid attention simply because they stayed under the radar. That’s no longer the case. While technology has advanced in recent decades, the legal industry can be notoriously slow to adopt more modern solutions. For law firms that still rely on legacy systems and stretched-thin IT teams, attackers see their opportunity.

Strong cybersecurity for your law firm is no longer optional, especially given the highly sensitive client data you're responsible for protecting.

Ransomware is still on the rise

What is ransomware? Ransomware is a fast-growing threat in cybersecurity, and law firms are especially vulnerable. These attacks lock up your files until you pay a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency. Even if you pay, there’s no guarantee you’ll get your data back, and your reputation may already be damaged.

In 2016, security company SonicWall reported more than 600 million ransomware attacks worldwide, a number that has continued to grow.

What we learned from the WannaCry attack

The 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack spread across nearly 100 countries in a matter of hours, locking out more than 75,000 systems. It exploited a known Windows vulnerability, one that Microsoft had already addressed.

The problem was that many organizations hadn’t updated their systems, and some didn’t even realize they were exposed. If one employee clicked a bad link, the malware quickly spread across entire networks.

WannaCry proved just how quickly a single vulnerability can bring down an entire operation. If your firm still relies on outdated infrastructure or IT practices, a similar breach could take you offline and compromise your clients’ data.

How ransomware infiltrates law firm IT systems

Most ransomware attacks don’t start with a major hack, but with a small mistake. Here are the typical entry points:

Phishing and social engineering

An email that looks harmless can carry a hidden threat, especially when it mimics someone you trust. A message that looks like it’s from a client or vendor can convince someone to click a link or open an attachment. That’s often all it takes.

Outdated or unpatched systems

Hackers look for known software flaws, especially in systems that haven’t been updated. If you’re not regularly installing patches, you’re leaving the door wide open.

Lateral movement across networks

Once inside, ransomware can spread from one device to another across your local network. This is especially dangerous for firms using on-premise systems where everything is connected.

Why on-premise IT systems are more vulnerable to ransomware

If your law firm is still running its own servers, you might feel like you have more control over your data, but that doesn’t always mean it's secure.

On-premise setups are more vulnerable because of:

• Slow or inconsistent updates: It’s easy to fall behind on patches, especially without a dedicated IT team.
• Limited visibility: Most in-house systems don’t include the kind of real-time monitoring needed to catch threats early.
• Bigger consequences: If ransomware hits your on-site server, your entire firm could go dark, along with every matter you’re working on.

Managing your own IT environment also requires constant attention. You have to keep hardware updated, audit configurations, back everything up, and respond to new threats quickly. It’s a big lift for most firms, and the gaps are easy to miss.

These hurdles are why more firms are evaluating whether their law firm IT security practices are really keeping up.

Cloud computing as a ransomware defense strategy

Cloud computing takes a lot of the day-to-day burden off your shoulders and often makes your systems more secure in the process.

Here’s what cloud platforms do better:

• Patching and updates: Cloud systems push security updates automatically, closing gaps before they’re exploited.
• Threat detection: Top cloud providers use machine learning and behavior analysis to spot attacks in real time.
• Data isolation: Because your data lives in the cloud and not on individual devices, a malware infection on one laptop won’t spread to your entire network.

Litify is built on Salesforce, one of the most secure cloud platforms in the world. You get access to enterprise-grade protections, including comprehensive data encryption and rigorous compliance measures, without having to manage it all yourself.

Don’t forget about data backup and recovery

Even with great security, there’s still a risk that something can go wrong. Regular data backups are still one of the most important parts of your law firm’s cybersecurity plan.

Best practices for backup and recovery include:

• Following the 3-2-1 rule: Keep three copies of your data on two different types of media, with one stored offsite.
• Using immutable backups: These backups can’t be changed or encrypted by ransomware.
• Being ready to restore: If something does happen, fast recovery can keep your firm moving without missing key deadlines or losing client trust.

Cloud platforms often handle this behind the scenes to give you peace of mind without the manual upkeep.

Start protecting your data today

Cybersecurity for law firms isn’t something you can afford to put off. One breach can upend your business, your reputation, and your client relationships.

Start by asking some basic questions:

• Are we still relying on local servers?
• Do we have a documented backup and recovery plan?
• Are our systems patched regularly?
• What protections are in place to prevent phishing attacks?

If the answers are unclear or if you’re unsure what’s in place, it’s probably time to re-evaluate your setup.

With Litify, you benefit from the power and security of Salesforce, the most widely used and trusted cloud platform. Your IT team gets access to enterprise-grade protections, and your entire firm gets a comprehensive and flexible legal platform.