Legal practices handle some of the most sensitive information of any sector – but how confident are you that your firm isn’t making the kind of cyber security mistakes that quietly expose this data to risk?

Every part of your workflow relies on secure systems and careful processes. Yet many breaches in the legal sector stem not from sophisticated attacks but from avoidable gaps in everyday practice. This is where legal cyber security becomes essential.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common oversights legal teams make, how they increase risk, and what you can do to prevent them. Whether you oversee fee-earners, operations, or compliance, these insights will help you strengthen your firm’s defences and protect the information clients trust you with.

The 5 Cyber Security Mistakes Legal Practices Commonly Make

Before diving into each risk in detail, it’s important to recognise that most cyber security incidents in legal practices stem from simple, preventable oversights – not sophisticated attacks.

These are the pitfalls that quietly increase exposure, disrupt casework, and put client confidentiality on the line. Let’s explore the five most common cyber security mistakes and how your firm can avoid them:

1. Relying on Outdated or Unsupported Software
   When workloads are heavy and deadlines are tight, software updates often fall to the bottom of the priority list. Unfortunately, in 2025, data shows a 77% increase in cyber-attacks on law firms year-on-year – which is why ensuring your software is updated is so critical to ongoing success.

   This means applying patches promptly, replacing systems that are no longer supported by the vendor, and using automated update tools so important fixes aren’t missed. Building technology refresh cycles into your operational planning also prevents outdated software from quietly becoming a long-term liability.

2. Poor Access Control and Shared Accounts
   Many practices still rely on shared logins for fee-earner tools, case systems, or administrative platforms. While this may feel convenient, it removes any visibility over who is accessing what – and makes it impossible to restrict privileges based on role. If an account is compromised, attackers gain access to far more information than they should.

   Preventing this by introducing clear, role-based access policies ensures every member of staff has their own complex login secured with multi-factor authentication. Regular permission reviews – especially when people change roles or leave the firm – further reduce the risk of unnecessary access. These simple steps significantly limit what an attacker could reach if an account becomes compromised.

3. Weak Document Management and Data Handling
   Legal documents move constantly between internal teams, clients, barristers, and external partners. Without strong controls, this fast-paced movement creates opportunities for sensitive information to leak. Unencrypted email attachments, unclear storage rules, misplaced USB drives, and ad hoc file-sharing tools are all common weaknesses.

   Secure document management needs both robust tools and clear processes. Storing files in a secure, access-controlled cloud environment helps ensure every document is protected at rest and in transit. Using encrypted communication channels for client correspondence and setting firm-wide rules for sharing, retention, and disposal reduces the likelihood of sensitive data being exposed accidentally.

4. Overlooking Staff Awareness and Human Error
   Even well-secured systems can be undermined by a single mistake. Clicking a convincing phishing link, forwarding information to the wrong recipient, or approving a fraudulent request are all examples of how human error leads to breaches. In legal practices – where staff work quickly and deal with high volumes of communication – these risks are amplified.

   Regular, practical cyber awareness training is essential, along with simulated phishing exercises that help staff recognise real threats. Reinforcing key principles through short, ongoing reminders keeps security front of mind. When teams understand the tactics attackers use, they’re far more likely to pause, check, and avoid risky actions.

5. Not Having a Clear Incident Response Plan
   Many firms assume they will handle a cyber incident sensibly if one occurs, but without a defined plan, confusion and delays are almost guaranteed. When time is critical – especially in ransomware or data breach scenarios – this lack of structure can greatly increase the impact.

   Develop a clear incident response plan that outlines what to do, who is responsible, and how communication should be handled. Ensure key roles across legal, operations, compliance, and IT are understood, and run occasional tabletop exercises to test the plan. Practising ahead of time helps teams respond confidently and quickly when an incident strikes.

Why Legal Practices Trust Jera IT

With deep experience supporting solicitors, conveyancers, litigation teams, and specialist legal firms, at Jera IT, we understand the pressures and compliance expectations of the sector. Our managed IT and cyber security services include:

• Proactive monitoring and threat protection.
• Secure cloud platforms built for legal workflows.
• Advanced identity management and access controls.
• Backup and business continuity solutions.
• Guidance on compliance and best practice.
• Fast, knowledgeable support from a team that understands fee-earner demands.

Our comprehensive approach focuses on prevention, resilience, and supporting the way legal teams work – helping firms reduce risk while improving productivity.

Get in Touch with Us Today

Legal practices face increasing pressure to safeguard confidential information, but many breaches come down to simple, avoidable oversights. By addressing the most common cyber security mistakes, your firm can dramatically reduce its exposure to risks.

Ready to strengthen your firm’s defences? Get in touch with us today to get started.

FAQs on Cyber Security for Legal Practices

1. What are the most common cyber security mistakes law firms make?
   Typical issues include outdated software, poor access control, weak document handling, and a lack of staff training. These oversights make it easier for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.
2. How can legal practices improve their cyber security quickly?
   Start by patching outdated systems, enforcing multi-factor authentication, training staff, and reviewing access permissions. Working with a specialist IT partner like Jera IT accelerates this process.
3. Why is cyber security so important for legal professionals?
   Law firms manage highly sensitive information, making them prime targets for cyber-attacks. Strong cyber security protects client confidentiality, maintains trust, and ensures compliance with regulatory obligations.