Cybersecurity is no longer a concern reserved for IT teams: it’s a boardroom issue, especially for law firms entrusted with sensitive client data. In recent years, high-profile cyberattacks have exposed serious gaps in digital defences across both public and private sectors, causing financial loss, operational chaos and long-term reputational damage. For legal professionals, these incidents serve as a wake-up call: without a proactive approach to cybersecurity, even the most established firms risk being caught off guard.
Major Cyber Attacks Are Becoming More Common
It began in 2023 when CTS, a managed service provider (MSP) supporting many UK law firms, suffered a major cyberattack, which resulted in widespread disruption for over 200 firms. This wasn’t a failure of the MSP model itself, but of how it was applied.
Then in April 2025, high street legends, Marks & Spencer was hit by a major cyberattack, believed to have been triggered via a third-party vendor. The group known as DragonForce infiltrated M&S’s systems, halting online orders for more than three weeks, disrupting in-store services, and costing the retailer an estimated £40 million in weekly sales. In the weeks that followed, DragonForce claimed responsibility for further attacks on Co-op and Harrods.
Just a month later in May 2025, a separate breach compromised personal data of legal aid applicants dating back to 2010. The compromised information included details of domestic abuse victims, criminal records, and financial data. The attack was linked to outdated IT systems and poor cyber risk management within the public sector, again underlining the consequences of neglecting cybersecurity.
These incidents across private enterprise, the legal sector, and public services reflect a growing and unavoidable reality: no organisation is immune. Whether through unpatched software, third-party access, or outdated systems, the consequences are consistent: disruption, data loss and reputational damage. For law firms where confidentiality is a cornerstone of client relationships, a strong cybersecurity posture and a trusted IT partner are no longer optional, they are essential.
Best Practices for Enhancing Law Firm Cybersecurity
As cyber threats rise and data protection requirements grow more complex, law firms must take proactive steps to protect their systems and clients. Relying solely on external providers is no longer enough. Internal controls, supported by expert guidance, are key to building long-term resilience.
Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Adding a second layer of identity verification significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access. Whether it’s a code, token, or fingerprint, MFA is a simple way to enhance protection, particularly when handling sensitive legal data.
Regular System Audits and Updates
Routine audits and timely updates ensure known vulnerabilities are addressed before they become entry points for attackers. A structured patching and update process keeps systems secure, stable, and compliant.
Employee Training
Your people are your first line of defence. Regular training empowers staff to spot phishing attempts and social engineering threats, helping prevent breaches before they happen.
Data Encryption
Client data must be protected at all times. Encryption safeguards sensitive information both at rest and in transit, helping firms remain compliant and retain client confidence.
Incident Response Plan
When a breach occurs, a clear plan makes all the difference. A well-tested incident response plan reduces downtime, limits impact, and ensures you meet regulatory obligations without delay.
Penetration Testing
Regular penetration testing is one of the most effective ways to expose vulnerabilities before malicious actors find them. Both internal and external penetration testing are essential
Partnering for Protection
These high-profile cyber incidents serve as urgent reminders of the risks facing today’s law firms. Cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting IT: it’s about protecting reputation, relationships and the future of the firm.
At Quiss, we understand the unique pressures legal professionals face. We go beyond traditional IT support, delivering tailored cybersecurity solutions, secure cloud hosting, managed infrastructure and expert compliance services, all designed specifically for the legal sector. Whether you need help implementing MFA, training your team, or managing regular system updates, we’ll help you build lasting resilience from the inside out.
In a world where cyberattacks are more frequent and more sophisticated, working with a proactive partner like Quiss isn’t just good practice, it’s a strategic advantage.
