Technology is good for business but cybersecurity a key issue

Cyber security is one of the biggest issues facing solicitors according to new research commissioned by the Law Society of Scotland.

Almost half of survey respondents, at 42%, believed that maintaining cyber security was a challenge.

Despite this, the overwhelming majority at 81% had a very or fairly positive view of technology, with solicitors recognising the importance of using technology to improve processes and increase efficiency. In addition, 78% agreed that technology is creating ideas for innovation and new business models for law firms and 73% said technology supports the way clients commission work. Around a third (34%) agreed that use of artificial intelligence systems was reducing costs within the sector.

The survey, carried out by Ipsos Mori, showed that 92% of solicitors used the internet on a daily basis for business, with 59% also using their smartphones to access the internet for business purposes.

Around a third of respondents (32%) said that keeping up with developments could be difficult and significant numbers believed they would benefit from training in areas including data protection (35%) and cyber security (34%).

The Law Society’s technology audit report was launched at the Law Society’s Technology and Cybercrime Conference in Glasgow on Wednesday, 26 October.

Helena Brown, partner and head of intellectual property, commercial and data at HBJ Gateley and a member of the Law Society’s technology law and practice committee is chairing the event. She said: “This is the first survey the Law Society has carried out about solicitors’ views on and use of technology.

“The findings highlight the positive view most have of increased use of technology and how it can benefit their businesses and the wider justice system, but also draw attention to some of the issues the profession faces in terms of keeping up to date with developments and how to ensure that their data is safe.

“The findings also highlight areas that we will want to explore further. The vast majority of respondents took steps to protect themselves online, such as not clicking on suspect links and using passport protection on their devices, however 35% of those who had experienced a cyber-security issue did not report it to anyone. It may be that some of this relates to scam emails from fraudsters which most of us would simply delete, but it perhaps indicates there is an issue in what and how cyber security issues should be dealt with.”

A number of high profile speakers are set to address delegates at the Technology and Cybercrime conference on issues ranging from cloud technology and cyber attacks to data protection and whistleblowing.

Professor Bill Buchanan from The Cyber Academy, will look at cyber threats including large-scale fraud, data loss and bad security while Mandy Haeburn-Little, Director of the Scottish Business Resilience Centre, will advise on mitigating risks and procedures for reducing cyber attacks.

Tim Barraclough, Director at the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service will be examining how digital technology can help improve the criminal justice system and provide an update on the current Criminal Evidence and Procedure Review. Tim Musson, managing director of Computer Law Training and convener of the Law Society’s Privacy Law Committee, will discuss the use of big data in whistleblowing cases.

Helena Brown added: “Today’s event is all about raising awareness of cybercrime risks and providing the best possible guidance to help solicitors safeguard their businesses, allowing them to reassure their clients that their data and funds are secure.

“We have a fantastic line up of speakers and delegates will be able to pose questions to our panel of experts and examine the issues that really affect them and their clients.”

The technology audit report is available to read on the website.

ENDS                 

Technology and Cybercrime Conference Programme

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