Cyber Threats Facing the Legal Sector - Understanding & Defending Against Evolving Risks

Introduction

This new virtual classroom seminar examines the growing cyber threats facing UK law firms, from ransomware and phishing to risks created by remote working. It explores why the legal profession is such an attractive target, how AI is changing the threat landscape, and what practical measures firms can take to protect themselves.

Designed for firms of all sizes, the session balances real-world examples with actionable strategies to strengthen compliance, protect sensitive client data and improve firm-wide resilience.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive session will cover the following:

• Why law firms are targets
• Legal sector as a data-rich, high-value target
• Types of sensitive information held
• Reputational damage and regulatory consequences
• The cyber threat landscape
• Key trends in cybercrime affecting legal services
• Regulatory context - guidance and obligations
• Case studies - lessons from recent breaches in the sector
• Ransomware
• How ransomware attacks work
• Why law firms are attractive to ransomware gangs
• Financial and operational impact
• Strategies to reduce risk and recover quickly
• Phishing and social engineering
• Phishing emails and spear phishing targeting lawyers
• Business email compromise (BEC) attacks
• Use of AI in creating convincing scams
• Practical detection and prevention measures
• Remote and hybrid working risks
• Risks from unsecured devices, networks, and apps
• Managing staff access and permissions
• Insider threats (intentional or accidental)
• Best practices for secure remote working in law firms
• AI and cyber threats
• AI as a weapon - deepfakes, automated phishing, credential theft
• AI as a defence - smarter monitoring, anomaly detection, predictive threat analysis
• Considerations for law firms when adopting AI security tools
• Building resilience - practical defence strategies
• Governance, policies, and staff training
• Multi-factor authentication and endpoint protection
• Supply chain/vendor security checks
• Preparing and testing an incident response plan
• Insurance considerations for law firms

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.