You may be scared of new technology unless you are an IT or cybersecurity expert like me. Catherine Sanders Reach, Director of the Center for Practice Management, North Carolina Bar Association, spoke to me recently about the challenges attorneys face when setting up new cybersecurity technology.
CP There have been numerous cyberattacks against law firms of all sizes. Why is it that attorneys are reluctant use cybersecurity technology?
CSR Many people fear new technology. Attorneys are no different. Attorneys are reluctant to try new things because of their experience and focus on precedent. Many attorneys are overwhelmed by security and privacy options.
CP It all boils down to good training and awareness. This is how it works. This is the way to do it. If you don’t adhere to the process, this is what could happen.
CSR One of my fears is that after spending a lot on cybersecurity, they do not install it correctly. What happens if it fails to work?
CP They shouldn’t install it. They should have it installed and trained by cybersecurity professionals. It should be set up and trained on how to use. This technology would be much more secure if it was adopted by more lawyers and other people. Because their workflow was optimized and secured, attorneys would be able bill faster.
CSR I believe that some attorneys aren’t able to understand the terminology and concepts surrounding cybersecurity. They may not be able to comprehend the basic functions of the software they use every single day.
CP Attorneys are concerned that they will have to sprint before they can crawl. Training and education are crucial. Many cybersecurity software has become much easier to use and less intimidating than five years ago. Many resources are available, including CLEs that provide basic information about crawling. It is not common for people to go to law school to learn IT/cybersecurity and to code.
CSR A problem with cybersecurity technology is its perceived cost, especially if the user doesn’t understand what it does.
CP This cost-benefit analysis is done. It sounds high-priced to pay a couple hundred dollars per month. If you charge $250+ an hour, how many hours would you have to work to get a secure, reliable IT ecosystem that has been tested, vetted and proven to be effective? It’s not costly when it’s part of the foundation for your company.
CSR Good cybersecurity is a great marketing opportunity. Tell your clients that you are fully aware of the dangers that sensitive data can cause and that you have implemented the most recent security protocols to ensure that it is protected. How about cybersecurity tools that are free?
CP While you can do a lot for free, if you aren’t properly trained, you may get hacked.
CSR I often hear, “I know that I have to do this but I don’t have the time or the interest to learn it.” I don’t even understand the subject.
CP Get some CLEs. There are many. Learn about the risks and then hire a professional. Many small businesses, especially smaller ones, have someone they know who handles their IT. They may not have the right skills. They may not be familiar with cybersecurity best practices. It would be a good investment for attorneys to spend an hour with a cybersecurity expert to provide direction and advice to clients on where to begin.
The post Overcoming Fears of New Technology was originally published on Attorney at Law Magazine.