As summer draws to a close, law firms across Long Island and beyond are preparing for the seasonal surge in activity. Courts reopen, litigation deadlines accelerate, and client demands intensify. While attorneys focus on case strategies and filings, one critical area is often overlooked — cybersecurity.
If your law firm hasn’t reviewed its cybersecurity posture recently, now is the time. The fall busy season brings increased risk, and being unprepared can result in serious consequences.
Courts Reopen, and So Do Cyber Threats
The legal sector becomes a more attractive target for cybercriminals during high-activity periods. With increased email traffic, time-sensitive filings, and remote access to sensitive case files, law firms are more vulnerable to phishing attacks, ransomware, and data breaches.
Cybercriminals are aware that fall is a hectic time for the legal industry. They’re counting on distractions to help their attacks go unnoticed. A single click on a malicious link during this season could compromise client confidentiality, halt operations, or result in costly downtime.
Summer May Have Left Gaps in Your Defenses
The summer slowdown, though a welcome break, often comes at a cost. During those months:
Security patches and updates may have been delayed
Staff accessed systems from unsecured networks while traveling
Temporary staff or coverage may have required broad access privileges
IT maintenance and reviews were deprioritized
As your team returns to full strength, these vulnerabilities can become serious liabilities.
The Cost of Inaction During Peak Season
Imagine experiencing a system outage or ransomware event during trial preparation or the week of a major filing deadline. Recovery costs, client disruption, and reputational damage all increase when incidents occur in the middle of a busy season.
Now is the ideal time to:
Review user access levels and remove outdated accounts
Update antivirus and endpoint protection across all devices
Conduct a phishing test to gauge staff awareness
Verify the integrity of your backups and disaster recovery plan
Ensure multi-factor authentication is in place for remote access
A proactive approach helps avoid costly surprises when your team can least afford them.
Protect Client Trust and Preserve Confidentiality
Legal clients expect their data to be handled with the highest levels of care and discretion. A breach doesn’t just result in financial loss — it can undermine client trust and expose the firm to ethical, legal, and regulatory consequences.
Regular cybersecurity reviews are no longer optional. They are a core part of law firm risk management and client service.
Prepare Before the Fall Rush Hits
The weeks leading into September offer a window of opportunity. Scheduling a cybersecurity review now ensures your firm is ready before courts, clients, and cases begin to move at full speed again.
Need Help Conducting a Cybersecurity Review?
We specialize in supporting law firms with managed IT and cybersecurity services tailored to the legal field. Our audits are discreet, efficient, and designed to uncover issues before they become problems.
Let’s secure your firm for the fall — before the season starts working against you. Contact us today to schedule your cybersecurity checkup.
