YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
There’s no debate the world is becoming more technologically dependent. As gadgets grow smaller and information flows more freely in our ever-increasing use of technology, the move toward more secure and technology is a must. Secure data is especially important in the law industry, where, if leaked, sensitive information could make or break a case. The following are a handful of advancing technological areas to watch.
Security and compliance
You can’t go a day without seeing a security threat occur in some region of the world.
These do not go unnoticed by the legal community. As a result, law firms are increasing their information technology budgets, especially in the area of security and compliance. Law firms have enormous amounts of confidential client information that must be secured while stored and also while in transit. Depending on the industries the law firm works in, there are numerous regulations that they may also have to comply by, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the Sarbanes–Oxley Act, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard and others.
The ubiquitous use of tablets and smartphones in law firms also causes concern for that confidential data and client information. Law firms are seeking greater security and control of these devices in case of loss or theft with mobile device management services. These services can wipe a device, if lost or stolen, or even locate it.
The transmittal and storage of private information also calls for encrypted emails, bulletproof email filtering, and, even encrypted hard drives among security conscious law firms.
Smart law firms are making security and compliance a primary focus in their IT budgets.
They very well have to as the liability is so great, and the threat is so real.
Cloud due diligence
The legal industry has been cautious of cloud computing for years, but many firms are embracing it more and more to improve processes, increase security and lower costs.
The law firms moving to the cloud generally are only moving select services, as the business case makes sense. In moving applications to the cloud, whether it is an online application or even email, law firms are getting smart about performing their due diligence after seeing a number of cloud-based providers go bust.
Oftentimes a law firm does not have the IT skills to properly perform due diligence.
In turn, they bring in knowledgeable IT firms that specialize in the legal industry and security regulations, to help make sure that due diligence is thoroughly performed.
Due diligence is not only about the security implications of the cloud solution, but also about the sustainability of the company, disaster recovery plans, financial strength and more.
All this creates a complete picture of a potential cloud solution.
The reasons for moving to the cloud vary, but security in the cloud arena is still a paramount concern for smart law firms.
eDiscovery
Electronic discovery, or eDiscovery, is a greatly increasing trend, which comprises the exchange of information in an electronic format. There are processes and ways in which that information must be handled, and regulations to which it is subjected. There are many tools, including customer relationship management software to help with that process.
On top of eDiscovery, managed review is another important trend. Managed review is a process that stipulates a “framework of accountability” that encourages the proper usage of discoverable information; this includes the process around the information’s creation, storage, deletion, and valuation. It includes metrics, best practices and security roles to ensure the proper use of discovery information. Managed review is a discipline that also must be managed around proper security and cloud solutions. It can result in in both spending and efficiency savings.
Smart law firms are using technology as a momentum-building strategy to produce efficiency and greater success in their organizations. This is transforming the industry to bring law firm’s clients to the front and center with improved communications and access to information, and it is helping the firms be prepared for the ebbs and flows of market changes.
Todd Nielsen is chief strategy officer for JMark Business Solutions Inc. He can be reached at tnielsen@Jmark.com.
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