Set It and Forget It Left Law Firm Vulnerable to Cyber Attack
Background:
A mid-sized law firm specializing in corporate litigation implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity plan in 2022. The plan included firewalls, antivirus software, employee training, and regular system backups. Confident in their setup, the firm adopted a “set it and forget it” mentality, assuming their defenses would remain effective indefinitely.
The Incident:
In early 2025, the firm fell victim to a ransomware attack. Hackers exploited an unpatched vulnerability in the firm’s email server software—an issue that had been resolved in a security update released months earlier. However, due to the firm’s lack of ongoing maintenance and monitoring, the patch had never been applied.
The attackers gained access through a phishing email sent to a junior associate. Once inside, they encrypted sensitive client files and demanded a hefty ransom. The breach halted operations for over a week and compromised confidential information related to several high-profile clients.
Investigation Findings:
A post-incident audit revealed several critical oversights:
- No regular updates to software or systems.
- Lack of up-to-date backups
- Outdated employee training, with no refreshers since the initial rollout.
- No active monitoring or intrusion detection systems in place.
- Lack of incident response drills, leaving staff unprepared.
Consequences:
- Loss of client trust and several key accounts.
- Legal scrutiny and regulatory fines for failing to protect client data.
- Estimated financial impact: $2.3 million in damages and lost revenue.
Lessons Learned:
Although the Set It and Forget It Left Law Firm Vulnerable to Cyber Attack, The firm revamped its cybersecurity strategy, shifting to a proactive model that includes:
- Continuous monitoring and threat detection.
- Regular software updates and vulnerability assessments.
- Quarterly employee training refreshers.
- A dedicated cybersecurity officer to oversee compliance and readiness.
Did You Know that Nieto Offers a Free Cybersecurity Overview Audit?
Visit https://nieto.com/cybersecurity to request your free cybersecurity overview audit or call us at 713-893-5667 to schedule your free overview audit today.
