You know your law firm is loaded with data. Everything is digital; case files, client records, emails. But what happens if that data suddenly disappears?
Maybe a server crashes, a cyberattack locks you out, or a simple human error deletes crucial files. That’s when backups save the day, right?
Not always.
Many businesses assume that having a backup system in place means they’re protected. But research shows that outdated backup systems are often inadequate, leaving firms vulnerable even when they think they’re covered.
The False Sense of Security with Old Backup Systems
Here’s the problem: Not all backups are created equal. Traditional backup systems, especially those that haven’t been updated in years, have major weaknesses that can put your law firm at risk.
How Traditional Backups Fall Short
They’re easy targets for cybercriminal
Hackers know that businesses rely on backups to recover from ransomware attacks. That’s why modern ransomware attacks don’t just lock your primary data—they go after your backups too. A recent study found that 93% of cyberattacks now target backup storage to force ransom payments. If your backups aren’t properly protected, they won’t be there when you need them.
They may not be encrypted
Encryption is a critical security measure, ensuring that even if someone gets access to your backup files, they can’t read them. Unfortunately, many older backup solutions lack strong encryption, leaving sensitive client data exposed to theft or leaks.
They don’t back up frequently enough
Many traditional backup systems run once a day—or less often. That means if something goes wrong, you could lose an entire day’s worth of work (or more). For a law firm handling time-sensitive cases, that’s unacceptable.
They don’t store data in multiple locations
Some firms still rely on local-only backups—like an external hard drive or an on-site server. The issue? If a flood, fire, or theft destroys your office, your backup disappears along with everything else.
What a Modern, Reliable Backup System Looks Like
To truly protect your law firm’s data, you need a backup strategy that’s designed for today’s threats.
Here’s what that looks like:
Immutable Backups
These backups can’t be changed or deleted, even by ransomware. Once saved, they stay protected.
End-to-End Encryption
Data is encrypted at every stage—while being backed up, in storage, and when being restored—ensuring it stays secure from prying eyes.
Frequent, Automated Backups
Instead of backing up once a day, modern systems create backups as often as every few minutes, minimizing data loss.
Multiple Copies in Multiple Locations
A solid backup strategy follows the 3-2-1 rule—three copies of your data, stored on two different media, with one copy offsite (like a secure cloud backup).
Ransomware Detection and Recovery
The best backup solutions actively detect ransomware attacks and allow you to recover clean versions of your files without paying a ransom.
What Should You Do Next?
If your firm is relying on an outdated backup system, it’s time to rethink your approach.
Ask yourself:
- When was the last time we tested our backups?
- Do we have protection against ransomware targeting our backups?
- Are our backups encrypted and stored securely offsite?
If you’re unsure, or if you already know the answers aren’t great, then it’s time to upgrade. A modern backup system isn’t just an IT upgrade; it’s an essential safeguard for your firm’s reputation, client trust, and business continuity.
The Bottom Line: Backups are only as good as their ability to protect your data when disaster strikes. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out yours aren’t up to the task.