Let’s address a pressing issue that’s causing significant distress for law firms: cyber impersonation.

 

By Grant Mossman, CEO of cybersecurity specialists, 4D.

Imagine this scenario: you’re diligently managing your client’s legal affairs when suddenly you discover someone has been masquerading as you or your firm online. It’s a chilling thought, isn’t it? Unfortunately, this is a reality that’s occurring more frequently than you might realise.

Cybercriminals have caught onto something: lawyers and conveyancers are prime targets.

Why? Because where there’s legal business, there’s often a hefty financial transaction just waiting to be intercepted.

They’re getting crafty, too. These scammers are playing a dangerous game, from spoofing email addresses to setting up fake websites that look eerily similar to legitimate ones.

Take the case of ‘Crimson Kingsnake’ for example, a group that hit the scene with a bang, impersonating big-name law firms like Allen & Overy and Kirkland & Ellis. They’d send out what looked like overdue invoices, complete with all the right details, and bam! They’d trick unsuspecting clients into wiring money to the wrong accounts. It’s a nightmare scenario.

Now, you might wonder: what’s at stake here? Well, aside from the obvious financial losses, falling victim to these schemes can mean breaching client confidentiality, getting tangled in legal messes, and taking a hit on your hard-earned reputation. Nobody wants that.

So, how can we combat this threat? We urge clients to recognise the importance of maintaining a secure email environment and enhance their security utilising tools like DMARC and Phishing Simulations and enabling Multi-factor authentication. These measures significantly raise the bar for hackers attempting to breach your systems. But why stop there? Regularly evaluating your cybersecurity and conducting training sessions for your staff are also essential steps in staying ahead of potential threats.

Remember, staying one step ahead of these cyber crooks is key. But it’s not easy;  that’s why 4D work alongside our clients to provide support, guidance and training, so they feel confident in tackling future threats.

For more on fortifying your cyber defences with 4D, click here.