The legal profession may not be known for adopting cutting-edge tech, but appearances can be deceiving. In fact, law firms are adopting tech as quickly as any other industry. Take generative artificial intelligence or GenAI.
According to Thomson Reuters’ latest Future of Professionals Report, 77% of professionals, including lawyers, believe AI will significantly impact their work over the next five years.
AI in the Legal Field: Efficiency and Risks
The adoption of AI in legal practice is revolutionizing everything from document review to legal research. As Thomson Reuters’s Valerie McConnell noted in a recent roundtable on AI in the legal profession, AI serves as a “force multiplier” for lawyers – not replacing them but augmenting their capabilities.
Enhancing Efficiency with AI Tools
AI tools are already delivering significant time savings for law firms. The Future of Professionals Report indicates that AI could free up to 4 hours per week for professionals within the next year – potentially scaling to 12 hours per week within five years, or 600 hours per year.
AI is transforming legal work through document summarization and legal research, contract review across large datasets, risk assessment for contracts, and more. These applications help firms work more efficiently while maintaining high standards of accuracy.
Cybersecurity Concerns: The Double-Edged Sword
However, AI adoption brings new security risks, including cloud security challenges. As firms integrate AI tools, they must address data security, privacy, AI-powered cyber threats, and other risks.
IoT in Law Offices: Convenience vs. Vulnerability
Like in other office settings, connected devices are becoming an increasingly important part of the modern law firm’s technology stack. However, they also introduce new vulnerabilities.
An estimate from Palo Alto Networks already puts the percentage of IoT on corporate networks at 30%. That includes IP cameras, smart building controls, audiovisual systems, printers, IP phones, and other connected devices.
The Growing Role of IoT in Legal Practices
Among other advancements, cloud-based document management and connected devices for remote collaboration have become standard features of the contemporary law office, and their use is growing all the time. That’s because systems such as smart office management tools and connected printers enhance efficiency. But they do introduce new security risks.
Mitigating IoT Risks
According to Palo Alto Networks, nearly three-quarters of enterprises (70%) have detected unauthorized access attempts on their IoT devices.
To protect against these threats, firms must:
- Establish comprehensive visibility of connected devices
- Implement dynamic device segmentation
- Maintain continuous monitoring for suspicious activity
Quantum Computing: A New Frontier for Legal Security
Quantum computing, an emerging technology that harnesses quantum physics to process information at unprecedented speeds, presents both opportunities and risks for law firms.
Of top concern for security professionals, as Charlie Bell, executive VP of Security at Microsoft, notes in a recent analysis, quantum computers could potentially break current encryption methods, putting sensitive data at risk.
Understanding Quantum’s Impact on Encryption
A quantum machine capable of breaking current encryption standards could emerge within the next few years. Although the timeline for that event remains uncertain, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) advises that organizations begin phasing out vulnerable encryption schemes now.
Preparing for a Quantum-Safe Future
Microsoft has begun implementing quantum-safe measures across its ecosystem, creating a comprehensive inventory of cryptographic technologies and developing practical solutions that can resist both traditional and quantum-powered attacks.
Law firms can follow this example by adopting Microsoft Cloud and other quantum-resistant systems, which will help ensure data security in the quantum era.
Xantrion can help your firm with managed cloud and other services.
Data Privacy Regulations: Staying Ahead of Compliance
Increasing consumer demands for data privacy and stricter regulations like GDPR and CCPA are reshaping how companies manage data. Law firms handling sensitive client data must stay ahead of these evolving compliance requirements.
Navigating New Privacy Expectations
Expectations around data protection are also increasing, with many clients demanding unprecedented levels of security and transparency in how their data is handled and protected.
Building a Privacy-First Practice
Firms must focus on ensuring compliance through:
- Regular security audits
- Comprehensive data protection policies
- Proactive compliance monitoring
These measures help build trust with clients while maintaining regulatory compliance. Xantrion experts can also provide guidance in this area.
Practical Steps for a Secure Future
Technology upgrades aren’t optional for law firms. As Kinara Law’s Rick Morzaria noted in the AI and legal roundtable, “Practitioners who don’t adopt [new technology] in the next several years are going to… have a tougher time attracting and retaining clients.” However, managing technology risks is also mandatory.
Implementing Cybersecurity Best Practices
A strong cybersecurity foundation includes:
- Robust authentication systems
- Regular security training
- Comprehensive network monitoring
- Encryption of sensitive data at rest and in transit
Partnering with a Trusted Cybersecurity Provider
Working with trusted partners helps legal practices access the latest technologies along with security and compliance best practices.
Looking Ahead
Legal services are undoubtedly becoming increasingly tech-enabled, promising clients time savings and higher-quality service. However, these advancements also bring new challenges that require mitigation.
Don’t let security concerns hold your firm back from embracing transformative technology. Strengthen your cybersecurity posture with Xantrion’s expertise, protecting critical data while optimizing your use of innovative technologies.
