Protecting your firm: Navigating the legal sector’s cyber threat landscape

The UK’s legal sector is built on a foundation of trust and confidentiality. However, the escalating frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks present a direct threat to this foundation. For IT leaders within law firms, the pressure to safeguard sensitive client data, maintain operational uptime, and ensure regulatory compliance has never been greater. The challenge is no longer just about preventing attacks, but about building resilience in an environment of constant digital evolution.

This blog will explore the current state of cyber threats facing UK law firms and discuss the complexities of defending against them. We will then outline practical strategies for enhancing your firm’s security posture, helping you turn complexity into confidence.

The state of cyber threats in UK law firms

Cybercriminals increasingly view law firms as high-value targets. The sensitive nature of the data they hold - from M&A details to personal client information, makes them a lucrative prize. This has led to a noticeable rise in targeted attacks, with significant consequences.

Human error remains a major vulnerability. In fact, it is responsible for 70% of data loss incidents in UK law firms . This highlights a critical need for robust internal controls and comprehensive staff training. Beyond accidental breaches, the financial stakes are enormous. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) can issue fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% of a firm's global annual turnover for serious data protection failures. This potential cost, combined with the reputational damage a breach can cause, makes inaction a significant business risk.

The introduction of AI adds another layer to this complex picture. While AI offers powerful defensive capabilities, it is also being used by attackers to create more sophisticated phishing campaigns and automated attacks. Furthermore, with only 41% of law firms having established AI governance policies, many are unknowingly exposed to new compliance and security risks.

The challenges of protecting a modern law firm

Defending a law firm's digital estate is a complex task. IT leaders are grappling with several core challenges that make it difficult to maintain a strong security posture.

1. Tool and application sprawl

The shift to cloud and hybrid working models has led to an explosion in the number of applications and security tools used by firms. It’s not uncommon for organisations to manage around 76 different security tools. This ‘tool sprawl’ creates significant complexity. Managing dozens of disparate systems leads to alert fatigue for IT teams, increases operational costs, and can create dangerous visibility gaps that criminals can exploit.

2. The relentless evolution of threats

Cyber threats are not static. Attackers are constantly developing new techniques to bypass traditional defences. From advanced persistent threats (APTs) to zero-day exploits and sophisticated ransomware, the landscape is always changing. Keeping up with this evolution requires specialist knowledge and continuous monitoring, which can be a heavy burden for an in-house team that is already stretched thin.

3. The cybersecurity skills gap

There is a recognised shortage of cybersecurity talent in the UK. This makes it difficult for law firms to recruit and retain the specialist skills needed for advanced threat hunting, security information and event management (SIEM), and incident response. Without access to this expertise, firms may struggle to detect and remediate threats effectively, leading to longer resolution times and greater potential damage.

Strategies for better protecting your firm

Strengthening your firm’s defences requires a strategic approach that goes beyond simply acquiring more tools. It involves simplifying management, enhancing expertise, and ensuring constant vigilance. For many firms, this is where a partnership with a managed security service provider (MSSP) becomes invaluable.

1. Consolidate and simplify your security

An effective security strategy starts with clarity. Instead of juggling numerous disconnected tools, partnering with an MSSP allows you to consolidate your security management under a single, unified service. An expert partner can integrate with your existing environment, including the Microsoft security ecosystem, to provide a single pane of glass view across your entire IT estate. This reduces complexity, eliminates blind spots, and ensures your team is focused on genuine threats rather than false positives.

2. Access 24/7 expert monitoring and response

Cyberattacks do not adhere to business hours. A key advantage of working with an MSSP is access to a 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC). Staffed by accredited specialists, a SOC provides round-the-clock threat detection, analysis, and response. This ensures that any suspicious activity is investigated and neutralised immediately, maintaining your firm’s operational resilience and protecting fee-earner productivity.

3. Ensure data sovereignty and compliance

For UK law firms, data sovereignty is non-negotiable. Leading MSSPs operate UK-based SOCs, ensuring that your sensitive client data never leaves the jurisdiction. This is crucial for meeting SRA and ICO requirements. An expert partner also brings deep sector-specific knowledge, helping you navigate complex regulatory frameworks and providing the audit-ready reporting needed to demonstrate compliance to clients, auditors, and the board.

Building a more secure future

The cybersecurity landscape will continue to evolve, but your firm’s approach to security can evolve with it. By moving from a reactive stance to a proactive one, you can protect your firm's reputation, ensure compliance, and maintain client trust. Working with a specialist MSSP lifts the burden of day-to-day security management, freeing your internal IT team to focus on strategic initiatives that drive the firm forward. It’s more than just protection; it’s a partnership that provides peace of mind and builds a stronger, more resilient foundation for your firm.

Learn how OneAdvanced Managed Cybersecurity Services can help your firm stay in control.