Beware of hostile country cyberattacks, spy agency told law firms | New



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Nation-states and "political or ideological agenda groups" stand alongside organized criminals as potential perpetrators of cyberattacks against law firms, say computer security experts of the government. A report from the National Cyber ​​Security Center of the Government Communications HQ, indicates that the cyber threat to the legal sector is "important", noting that 60% of the law firms reported a security incident in 2017. [19659002] Law firms are a particularly attractive target for cyber attacks, the report says. They keep sensitive information about customers, manage large funds and play a key role in business transactions. The risk is greater for law firms that advise particularly sensitive clients or work in hostile locations in the UK, warns the report, without citing examples.

Meanwhile, companies act for controversial organizations Life sciences or the energy sector can also be targeted by groups with a political or ideological agenda.

The main threat to the UK legal sector comes from cybercriminals with a financial motive. "However, nation-states are likely to play an increasingly important role in cyberattacks globally, in order to gain strategic and economic advantage," the report warns. "The hacktivist community has also experienced some growth in targeting law firms to achieve political, economic, or ideological goals."

It is also prudent to be cautious about corporations technologically innovative. offer new opportunities but also other avenues for malicious cyber exploitation.

According to the guide, the main current threats are phishing, data breaches, ransomware and compromises in the supply chain. He offers tips on how to defend practices against all four, pointing out that information security is not just about IT services.

The Law Society is one of the organizations contributing to the guide. Christina Blacklaws, President, commented: "As data controllers, law firms deal with large volumes of confidential and sensitive information and client funds as part of their day-to-day work. It is essential that we have a common vision and understanding of cyber threats and their impact.

"The Law Society sees this report as a positive step in helping our members identify vulnerabilities and put in place appropriate protections and protections. [ad_2]
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