Law Technology Today From the ABA Legal Technology Resource Center
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Lawyers like you have access to sensitive information. You are also privy to confidential data that was entrusted to you by your clients. After all, information is essential to law practice. That’s why data leaks should never happen.
With today’s technology and the Internet, I’m 100% sure that most of your data, if not all, are now in your computers. Unfortunately, the worldwide web is not all rainbows and butterflies. Cyberattacks are real and closer than you think. Don’t be the next victim, VPNs can protect you and your client’s data from any potential online information breaches.
What is a VPN?
A VPN or Virtual Private Network is a service that allows you to access the Internet securely by routing your connection through a server and concealing your online activities. A VPN operates by utilizing the shared public network while keeping privacy through security systems and tunneling protocols
Here’s how a VPN will work for a legal practitioner like you. Know that technically, a VPN produces a safe connection between your computer and any server on the Internet. Aside from preventing attacks from hackers, your data transfers will be encrypted whenever you are online
Why Do I need a VPN?
What does it mean to be a good lawyer? Experience? Skills? Well, you know that as a lawyer, you a part of a legal community. This makes you responsible not only for the client’s privacy but also for your own. With a vast stream of data at your fingertips, from sensitive case information to court evidence, what you have at your computer is tempting to online predators.
Imagine this; you head over to your favorite cafe, ordered a cup of coffee, and proceeded to sit down at your favorite spot. You then opened your laptop, logged in to the free WIFI connection, and proceeded to open client e-mails. That innocent looking routine is actually dangerous considering you don’t know who is monitoring that connection. A public connection is fair game, to anybody who has access to that network and can spy and peek on your online activities.
To prevent any possible client data breaches while working at the airport or any places that offer public WIFI, using a VPN will serve as your vanguard. This way, data are encrypted in servers, so attempts to spy on your online communications will result in nothing but a bunch of gibberish.
Advantages of VPN
I know that as a lawyer, you are naturally skeptical, so I will continue to build my case, by citing the benefits of having a VPN.
- It preserves the client’s privacy by securing all online information.
- The lawyer-client privileged information is kept from falling into the wrong hands.
- It protects your data and browsing history from any devices, such as laptops, desktop, tablets, and smartphones.
- It encrypts all data that is coming in and out of your computer.
- It shields your accounts from getting unauthorized access.
- Make sure that your passwords are safe from being stolen.
- Allows you to manage your business online while staying anonymous.
If you have a VPN, your Internet activity will not be tracked by third parties, who want to watch your online actions. Hackers can monitor the websites that you visit, your downloads, or check whether you use communication apps like Skype and any social media platforms. Remember with a VPN your origin IP is shielded from possible attackers and identity thieves.
Potential Threats
You might be thinking, what is out there? To be honest, there are tons of security threats on the world wide web. And you, as a lawyer, with tempting pieces of information at your disposal, is an attractive prey.
Ransomware
Ransomware like WannaCry and Bad Rabbit is a malware that restricts or blocks you from accessing your systems and files. They will then demand that you pay ransom to gain access to your data again. The effects of this malware will be pretty devastating when your client files are at stake.
Malicious Social Links
Almost everybody uses social media platforms, and hackers know this. Before they settle in sending dangerous links to unsuspecting users through e-mail. But now, with information drive being rolled out to deter this, cybercriminals have also caught in the trend. So far, they moved their illegal activities into social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Fake Apps
With the rise of smartphones, Google Play and the Apple Store are not spared by cybercriminals. For example, counterfeit versions of a popular app will appear to pose as the authentic ones. If you install this on your phone, you will be infected by malicious malware which allows hackers to sneak inside and take over your system.
Spear Phishing
This is another form of phishing to get access to private data. Spear phishing targets particular individuals or organizations by looking like a valid and trusted source. If you fell for it, they can gain access to sensitive information like bank logins and other private data.
Where to Get a VPN?
In this age of surveillance, and more people recognizing potential online threats VPN are more accessible than ever. They can be downloaded online, and you can start protecting yourself.
Free VS Paid
There are two types of VPNs, premium and free. Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to each.
If you opt for a free VPN, you will not have to cash in anything. However, no-cost VPN service will not be as optimal as the paid ones. You might experience slower connections, ad pop-ups, and no tech support if you have concerns.
However, if you want a premium VPN, you should be prepared to pay a monthly fee. Since you pay for the service, you will get to enjoy faster connection, customer support, access to multiple server locations, and higher security encryption. Another advantage of paid is VPN coverage on various devices, this is important when you open files or do activities that are related to law practices on your smartphone or other devices aside from your PC.
Wrap-Up
Legal firms and solo law practitioners have access to sensitive information. After all, clients are willing to pay lawyers handsomely for legal services and even disclose classified information to help them with their cases. Hence, it’s only logical for them to demand that law firms and lawyers would exert all measures to maintain their private information secured.
While the advance technological age has brought a revolutionary shift in law firms, we can’t deny that it also means online security risks. So, arm yourself and keep you and your clients safe. After all, you don’t know who is lurking behind every webpage, waiting for a time to strike.
