The Sweet Spot Between Technology and Human Vigilance in Cyber Security
Let’s tell the story of the dance between technology and humans in the world of cyber security in law firms. It’s a story that’s both cautionary and enlightening, and it starts with a law firm that thought it had all the bases covered.
Picture this: a law firm decked out with the latest and greatest in cyber security tech. They’ve got a Cyber Security Operations Centre (SOC), a shiny Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (MDR) system (anti-virus for the non-technical people), and all staff have completed all the necessary cyber security training.
Enter our protagonist—a diligent paralegal, knee-deep in research about evicting a tenant who’s missed a few rent payments. In the course of their work, they stumble upon a Microsoft Word template. Without a second thought, they download and open it, trusting that the firm’s top-notch antivirus software has them covered. After all, we all do this daily, assuming that our IT departments have invested in the best tech that the CFO would allow them to buy.
But here’s the twist: that innocent-looking template was infected with malware through a tactic called SEO poisoning. The paralegal had no idea that by simply opening the file, they were inviting trouble into the firm’s network.
The malware, being fresh and new, slipped right past the antivirus defences. It spread like wildfire, infecting other machines on the network. Within hours, sensitive user credentials were harvested and posted for sale on the Dark Web. Talk about a nightmare scenario!
Here’s where the story takes a turn for the better. Luckily, the Australian Federal Police were keeping an eye on the cybercriminals and alerted the firm about the situation. The firm had a trusted cyber security specialist on standby and, importantly, a well-documented Cyber Incident Response Plan ready to roll.
When the alarm bells rang, the firm activated their incident response plan. This wasn’t just a bunch of paperwork; it was a playbook designed for exactly this kind of situation. Thanks to their preparation, they managed to contain the issue swiftly, minimising disruption and preventing any data loss.
So, what can we learn from this tale?
- Sum of its parts: Sure, investing in cutting-edge technology is crucial, but it’s not the whole solution. Cyber threats are evolving faster than we can keep up, and even the best defences can falter against new malware. Being safe means multiple layers of defence.
- Human awareness matters: The paralegal had completed their cyber security training, but the incident highlights the need for ongoing education. Cyber security isn’t a one-and-done deal; it requires constant vigilance and awareness.
- Be prepared: Just like fire drills, practising your cyber incident response is essential. You’re more likely to face a cyber incident than a fire, so having a solid plan in place is non-negotiable.
- Specialists are key: Just like you wouldn’t hire a commercial lawyer for a criminal law matter, you shouldn’t rely on general IT staff for specialised cyber security needs. IT and cyber are distinct fields, each requiring unique expertise. Make sure to engage the right cyber security specialist to assist with your incident response. This ensures that your firm is prepared to handle any cyber threat with precision and confidence.
With tools like FraudGPT and WormGPT making it easier for bad actors to launch attacks, the stakes are higher than ever. These platforms can automate the creation of phishing schemes and malware, making it a walk in the park for cybercriminals.
In the end, the relationship between technology and humans is a partnership that must be nurtured. Law firms need to foster a culture of cyber security awareness, ensuring that everyone is prepared for the inevitable challenges ahead. So, let’s not just invest in technology—let’s invest in people, preparedness, and a proactive approach to cyber security. After all, it’s not just about avoiding disaster; it’s about finding that sweet spot and thriving in a world where the unexpected is the new normal.
