Law firms hold confidential client information, move money, work to immovable deadlines and depend heavily on email and cloud systems. That combination makes legal practices attractive targets for phishing, account takeover, fraud and ransomware.
Security does not begin with buying another product. It begins with knowing which risks matter, assigning responsibility and checking that important controls work. Use this checklist as the starting point for a structured review.
1. Protect every important account with multi-factor authentication
Require multi-factor authentication for email, Microsoft 365, remote access, case-management systems, backup consoles and administrator accounts. Review older protocols and service accounts that might bypass normal sign-in controls.
2. Separate everyday and administrator access
People should not use powerful administrator accounts for routine work. Give each user only the access their role requires, and review permissions when someone joins, changes role or leaves. Shared credentials make accountability and secure offboarding far harder.
3. Secure Microsoft 365 and email
Check external forwarding, mailbox rules, legacy authentication, audit logging and risky sign-ins. Configure SPF, DKIM and DMARC for your domains, and create a separate verification process for requests involving bank details or urgent payments.
4. Keep devices and software patched
Maintain an accurate inventory of computers, servers, phones, firewalls and business applications. Apply security updates promptly, replace unsupported systems and record any exception that cannot be fixed immediately.
5. Use managed endpoint protection
Laptops and desktops need centrally managed protection that reports to someone responsible for responding. Encryption, screen locking and remote management are particularly important for hybrid workers and devices that leave the office.
6. Back up the information that keeps the practice operating
Identify critical documents, case data, email, financial information and system configurations. Keep protected copies that ordinary user accounts cannot alter, then test complete restoration. A successful backup notification is not proof that the firm can recover.
7. Control suppliers and third-party access
Record which providers can reach systems or client data, why they need access and who approved it. Require individual accounts, MFA and time-limited access where practical. Remove access when an engagement ends and include security expectations in supplier reviews.
8. Train people around realistic legal-sector scenarios
Generic annual training is not enough. Staff should practise recognising impersonation, unusual document-sharing invitations, credential theft and last-minute payment changes. Make reporting simple and blame-free so concerns reach the right person quickly.
9. Prepare for an incident before one happens
Write down who leads the response, who can isolate systems, which specialists and insurers to contact, and how regulatory and client communications will be considered. Keep an offline copy and run a tabletop exercise at least annually.
10. Review the evidence, not just the policy
Policies matter, but evidence shows whether controls operate: patch reports, restore tests, access reviews, training records, alert handling and incident exercises. Partners should receive a short regular report explaining material risks and agreed actions.
Turn the checklist into a practical improvement plan
Do not try to fix everything at once. Identify the systems and information that would cause the greatest harm if unavailable or exposed, address the largest gaps first and give every action an owner and deadline.
Astley Digital helps professional firms assess risk and manage the technology behind their business. Explore our cyber security services or book a conversation with our UK team.
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