Biggest Law Firm Cyberattacks

In recent years, cyberattacks on law firms have increased, and the consequences can devastate the firms and their clients. These attacks often involve the theft of sensitive information, such as confidential client data which can result in significant financial loss, reputational damage, and legal liability.

Since law firms are now prime target for cybercriminals, it’s critical to understand the nature of these attacks, their causes, and how to prevent and mitigate their impact.

Following are some of the most significant law firm cyberattacks over the years as well as a list of prevention and mitigation strategies. Our goal is to increase awareness and encourage law firms to prioritize cybersecurity to protect themselves and their clients.

The Biggest Law Firm Cyberattacks

Several high-profile cyberattacks have occurred in recent years, affecting some of the largest law firms in the world. Here are some of the most significant incidents:

Mossack Fonseca

In 2016, a massive data breach at the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca exposed over 11.5 million files, including confidential client data, to the public. The leak, dubbed the “Panama Papers,” revealed the offshore financial dealings of some of the world’s wealthiest and most influential people.

DLA Piper

In 2017, the global law firm DLA Piper was hit by a ransomware attack that spread rapidly through its computer systems, causing widespread disruption and forcing the firm to shut down many of its offices. The attack affected thousands of employees and clients, and it took weeks for the firm to recover fully.

Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks

In 2020, the New York-based entertainment law firm Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks suffered a data breach that exposed sensitive client data, including contracts, emails, and personal information, to the public. The attackers demanded a ransom of $21 million, which the firm refused to pay.

Jones Day

In 2021, Jones Day, one of the largest law firms in the United States, was hit by a data breach that resulted in the theft of confidential client data. The attackers gained access to the firm’s email system, which contained sensitive information about clients involved in high-profile legal cases.

Appleby

A significant data theft known as The Paradise Papers leak involving more than 1.3 million documents occurred at the Bermuda-based law company Appleby in 2017. These records revealed the overseas financial dealings of several well-known people and organizations, including the Queen of England and Apple Inc.

GozNym Malware

GozNym malware, which enables thieves to obtain banking login and password information, was used to assault two legal offices in the US in 2016. The thieves sent phishing emails directing recipients to websites that appeared like their banks’ websites to coerce victims into divulging their banking details. Keystroke logging was utilized when victims accessed the bogus bank website to record their input keys. The cyber breach offenders were then covertly contacted with this information.

Campbell Conroy & O’Neil P.C.

On February 27, 2021, Campbell Conroy & O’Neil P.C. experienced a data breach. The business launched an investigation after noticing the peculiar conduct, establishing ransomware as the cause.

The ransomware attack denied access to vital system data to Campbell Conroy & O’Neil P.C. The organization fears that the hacker may have accessed client names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and dates of birth, to name a few identifying facts, even if the degree of the damage remains unknown.

Prevention and Mitigation Strategies

Law firms can take several steps to prevent and mitigate the impact of cyberattacks. Some key strategies include:

• Use Strong Cybersecurity Measures: Law firms should implement strong cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and multi-factor authentication, to prevent unauthorized access to their networks.
• Keep Technology Up-to-Date: Firms need to ensure that their hardware and software systems are up-to-date and fully supported by vendors to reduce vulnerabilities.
• Conduct Regular Security Audits: This helps to identify vulnerabilities and potential risks in a firm’s networks and implement measures to address any issues discovered.
• Train Employees on Cybersecurity: Law firms need to provide regular cybersecurity training to employees to increase their awareness of potential risks and how to avoid them and to help identify and report suspicious activity.
• Develop an Incident Response Plan: This outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a cyberattack, including who is responsible for managing the response, how to contain the attack, and how to communicate with clients and stakeholders.
• Purchase Cyber Insurance: Law firms can purchase cyber insurance to provide coverage in the event of a cyberattack, which can help mitigate the financial impact of a breach.

By implementing these prevention and mitigation strategies, law firms can significantly reduce their cyberattack vulnerability and better protect themselves and their clients.

Conclusion

The consequences of a cyberattack on a law firm can be significant, including damage to the firm’s reputation, financial losses, and potential harm to clients. That’s why it’s essential for law firms to prioritize cybersecurity and take proactive steps to protect themselves against this growing threat.

Investing in cybersecurity measures, conducting regular security audits, providing employee training, and purchasing cyber insurance, law firms can take proactive steps to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks and protect themselves and their clients.

Protected Harbor is an experienced and trusted managed services provider that provides cybersecurity services to help protect law firms against cyber threats.  In fact, we were voted the Best IT Company in the US and have a 5 Star Google Rating.

Sign up for a free cybersecurity assessment from Protected Harbor to help identify vulnerabilities in your law firm’s network and provide actionable steps to improve your cybersecurity posture before the next cyberattack.