The International Bar Association (IBA) has also identified the threat of large-scale cyberattacks against law firms as a serious risk. Another method is the use of ransomware where data can be “taken hostage” as a result of IT systems being infiltrated by malicious software. Other lesser utilised scams include phishing, smishing and vishing that involves criminals sending emails in order to obtain confidential or other sensitive information.
The legal profession routinely deals with confidential and sensitive client information and has access to vast sums of client monies. According to Joanne Cracknell, legal PI specialist and Divisional Director at FINEX, 2019/20 in particular, will see an increase in law firms being targeted ( accessed on 07-08-2019). The impact of cybercrime has escalated within law firms.