Since COVID-19, we have seen our world dive deeper into a digital age, with reliance on technology and cloud-based solutions at an all-time high. Law firms have not been exempt from this great migration.
In fact, according to a survey by Fish & Richardson, 78% of law firms store client data in the cloud and 8% have plans to do so in the near future. And, according to a Business of Law and Technology survey, 39% of law firms are at least “somewhat” cloud-based, and another 12% are “mostly” cloud-based.
The point is, law firms are quickly adapting to this digital era, and those who do not, are being left behind. If you are among those considering a cloud migration, here are 7 expert tips to help make cloud adoption as secure and seamless as possible.
1. Work with a Managed Service Provider for the Entire Cloud Migration Process
Working with an experienced IT team is the best way to ensure your data is safe and protected during a move to the cloud. They can help you assess your current IT infrastructure, identify any potential security risks, and determine the best environment for your needs.
2. Strategically Plan for Any Hiccups and Downtime
Cloud migrations are complex processes, and even with a managed service provider, it is possible that something could go wrong or there could be a disruption in services. Make sure to have contingencies in place just in case something goes awry so that you don’t end up losing important data or having to put off critical client deadlines.
3. Improve Cloud Adoption by Training Your Employees
It is not enough to simply move your firm’s data into the cloud—your team must also know how to use it securely. Make sure to provide training and resources to ensure that your employees understand the best practices for security and data management.
4. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security to user accounts, requiring two or more pieces of evidence to access the account. This can go a long way in protecting confidential client data by preventing unauthorized access due to hacked passwords or stolen credentials.
5. Be Proactive with Your Safety
Invest in automated security solutions such as firewalls, anti-malware software, intrusion detection systems, etc., and make sure they are set up correctly and regularly updated with the latest patches and versions. Automated security solutions can help protect networks from malicious actors who may be looking to gain illegal entry into the system.
6. User Permissions
Manage user permissions to ensure that not every employee has access to all the data and files stored in the cloud. This can help limit any potential breaches or unauthorized access of confidential client information.
7. Regular Backups
Set up regular backups of any data stored in the cloud in case anything goes wrong or you experience any outages/downtime during your migration process. Backing up your data will provide peace of mind knowing that if something does happen, you will have a clean copy of it ready to go without having to start from scratch.
Let the Professionals at Fresh Managed IT Help Your Law Firm
By following these 7 expert tips for secure cloud adoption, law firms can make sure their transition into cloud computing is seamless and secure.
With an IT provider like Fresh Managed IT, you can rest assured that your data is safe and secure while still gaining all the benefits of cloud computing. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!
