Law firms, lawyers and legal practices, regardless of size or specialism, are increasingly in the targeting line of cyber criminals. This is because legal practices hold exactly what attackers want: sensitive client data, confidential case files, and access to significant financial transactions.
From high street solicitors to international firms, the legal sector faces a unique blend of risks. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) highlights that attackers aren’t picky, whether you’re a sole practitioner or part of a global practice, you’re a potential target.
Remote working, cloud-based systems, and digital communications has opened new doors for cyber criminals with phishing, ransomware, and business email compromise are just a few of the tactics being used to exploit vulnerabilities. With reputational damage and regulatory consequences on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Did you know
- 75% of solicitor firms report they have been target of a cyber attack
- 489 scam alerts have been issued by the Solicitors regulation in the last 365 days (July 2024 – July 2025)
- Nearly three quarters of the UK’s top-100 law firms have been affected by cyber attacks
Cyber Security compliance for law firms
As cyber threats continue to evolve, so do the regulations designed to protect sensitive client data and uphold professional standards. In 2025, UK law firms are expected to meet a growing list of cyber security obligations, many of which are now legal requirements.
Here’s a breakdown of what your firm needs to know to stay compliant and secure. Rest assured that we provide robust data security for law firms around the country and can ensure you meet all compliance and security measures with our support.
Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations
If your firm provides digital legal services or handles large volumes of sensitive data, you may fall under the scope of the NIS Regulations. These require:
- Proactive risk management: Identify and mitigate risks to your IT systems.
- Incident response planning: Be ready to detect, report, and recover from cyber incidents.
- Business continuity: Maintain operations during and after a cyber event.
- Ongoing monitoring and testing: Regularly audit your systems for vulnerabilities
These requirements are enforced under the DSP Regulation, which applies to relevant digital service providers (RDSPs).
UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
The GDPR requires businesses to employee the appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect the personal data they process.
These should be proportionate to the risk but, considering that legal firms process a lot of sensitive data, that risk is very high. Therefore, the need for a unified approach to data and cyber security compliance is critical.
Guidance from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
The SRA expects firms to:
- Protect client confidentiality
- Use secure communication channels
- Manage third-party risks, especially when outsourcing IT or cloud services
Failure to meet these expectations can result in disciplinary action or reputational damage.
Law Society Support and Resources
The Law Society provides practical guidance to help firms understand and mitigate cyber security threats. Their resources cover:
- Cyber risk assessments
- Staff training and awareness
- Incident response planning
Cyber Essentials
From October 2025, it will be mandatory for firms with Criminal Legal Aid contracts to hold the Cyber Essentials certification. This government-backed scheme protects against common cyber threats and helps law firms safeguard sensitive data.
Key threats for law firms
- Phishing - Attackers are impersonating clients, regulators, and colleagues to trick legal professionals into revealing sensitive data or authorising fraudulent payments. These threats don’t just target your inbox, they target your reputation, finances, and client trust.
- Ransomware and other malware – As a result of a ransomware attack, your data is usually encrypted, and an attacker will send a ransom note demanding payment to recover the data. It's important that you keep your software up to date and make regular backups of your data to help defend against threats.
- Password attacks – Managing user permissions, ensuring the use of 2FA on all logins and educating your teams on why and how to create a strong password are simple yet essential steps you must take to help prevent password attacks.
- Supply chain attacks - Legal firms should carefully vet their suppliers, check for good cyber practices, and make sure contracts include security requirements to help reduce the risk of falling victim a supply chain attack.
What to look for in a Cyber Security partner for your law firm?
Finding the right cyber security partner for your law firm isn’t just about tech, it’s about trust. Law firms handle highly confidential client data, so your provider must understand the legal sector’s unique challenges, from GDPR compliance to secure communication and data protection.
We have extensive experience supporting cyber security for solicitors, lawyers and legal firms and fully understand the serious impact that reputational damage and regulatory breaches can have. As holders of the Microsoft Partners Designation for Security, ISO-27001 certification and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation, you can trust our commitment to high levels of service and security.
Speak to one of our experts today to learn more about our Cyber Security Services for law firms.
