Fall 2017 issue of Horizons

INDUSTRY UPDATE LAW FIRMS

Cyber Security: What Law Firm Leaders Need to Know by Matt Finke, CPA, CGMA

I n June 2017, the “Petya” ransomware attack hit the computer systems of major businesses around the world. Among these businesses, this major cyberattack crippled the information technology infrastructure of one of the world’s largest law firms, DLA Piper. The attack caused a data blackout rendering the firm’s document management system and email inaccessible. The Wall Street Journal reported that the issue caused disruptions to active litigation and procedural matters.

This cyberattack came just a month after the “WannaCry” ransomware epidemic, which infected hundreds of thousands of computers across more than 150 countries and allowed hackers to extort users for currency to unencrypt their data. This area of cyber security is one of top concern among law firm leaders, requiring a focused effort from management and a significant investment of resources to address appropriately. In January of 2017, the Association of Corporate Counsel issued its first-ever guidance on the topic of information security.

Cyber Security: What Law Firm Leaders Need to Know

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