Data Security for Lawyers: What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Data security is a critical concern for law firms, especially in New York where clients rely on attorneys to safeguard their data privacy. Law offices are frequent targets for data breaches, with cybercriminals using various strategies like system intrusion and phishing to access sensitive information. The New York Times even reported on an incident where a hacker was able to breach New York City’s law department systems and bring operations to a grinding halt. The question is, what can law firms do to keep cybercrooks from accessing sensitive data? If a major court system is susceptible to network infiltration, what can a single lawyer or law firm do to stop malicious actors from illicitly accessing data? Actually, there are a lot of things that you and your law firm can do to significantly reduce the risk of illicit data access by unauthorized individuals.

One vital tool for protecting your firm’s data is multi-factor authentication.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a secure access control method that requires multiple forms of identity verification before granting access to IT systems or resources. Unlike traditional setups that rely solely on usernames and passwords, MFA combines different authentication factors like knowledge-based, token-based, and biometrics-based factors to enhance security.

Authentication Factors

So, what are the different authentication factors that an MFA access control setup can use? There are three different kinds of factors in common usage:

• Knowledge-Based Factors. Also referred to as “something you know,” knowledge-based authentication factors include things like passwords, user names, PIN numbers, and security question answers.
• Token-Based Factors. AKA “something you have,” token-based authentication factors require the possession of a specific object such as a keycard, USB drive, smartphone, or other specific device to enable access.
• Biometrics-Based Factors. Sometimes referred to as “something you are,” biometric factors use things like fingerprints, facial scans, or other properties inherent to a particular person to enable access.

Benefits of Multifactor Authentication For Law Firms

Advantages of MFA

• Preventing Account Hijacks: Safeguards accounts even if login credentials are compromised.
• Enhancing Data Safety: Adds an extra layer of security for sensitive information.
• Attracting Security-Conscious Clients: Assures clients of data protection measures.
• Resisting Phishing Scams: Counters phishing attempts by requiring secondary authentication.
• Meeting Compliance Standards: Aligns with regulatory requirements for data protection.

Challenges of MFA Implementation

Despite its advantages, MFA implementation poses challenges such as setting authentication factors, potential sign-in delays, and token loss. Addressing these issues through proper training and user-friendly options can streamline the adoption of MFA within law firms.

In conclusion, multifactor authentication is a vital component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for law firms. Its ability to enhance data security, prevent unauthorized access, and meet compliance standards makes it indispensable in safeguarding sensitive legal information.

Other Secure Access Controls and Security Measures to Consider

MFA isn’t the only tool that a law firm can (or should) use to ensure secure access to its data and prevent malicious actors from illicitly accessing data. Other secure access controls and cybersecurity tools that law firms should consider include:

• Email Security Tools. Email security tools can help law firms identify phishing emails and malware-laden files in email attachments. This makes it easier to prevent the accidental downloading of malware and helps keep employees safe from phishing attempts.
• Network Firewalls. Firewalls are a basic cybersecurity tool that help filter out illegitimate traffic at the network perimeter so hackers can’t simply access your database directly. Every business network should have a perimeter firewall.
• Cybersecurity Training. Even the best cybersecurity setup can’t prevent data breaches if the users of a system don’t practice basic IT security hygiene. Cybersecurity training is often crucial for ensuring that everyone in the firm know security best practices and follow them.
• Intrusion Detection and Response Solutions. Managed intrusion detection and response services can help a firm rapidly identify a data breach in progress and take the appropriate measures to remediate it—potentially limiting the impact of a data breach by ejecting intruders before they can steal too much data.

These are just a few of the different cybersecurity tools that can help law firms keep their systems secure from illicit access. For more suggestions, it might help to consult with your IT service provider.

Get Started with Converged Technology Group!

If your law firm currently does not have multifactor authentication set up, you don’t need to go at it alone. 

At Converged Technology group, our IT professionals can help your team implement MFA with a smooth rollout. Our team can properly educate your law firm on best practices and how to best utilize MFA so you don’t run into any access issues. 

We specialize in servicing law firms like yours in the Manhattan, Nassau County, and Suffolk County areas in New York. Contact us today for a free IT assessment!