Campaign to strengthen legal profession’s defence against cyber threats launched

Campaign to strengthen legal profession’s defence against cyber threats launched

Cyber Precedent, a new information campaign by the Law Council of Australia to assist the legal profession further defend itself against growing cyber threats, has been launched in Sydney today.

As cybercrime and cyberespionage climbs exponentially across the globe, the campaign will help equip legal professionals with the resources needed to remain on the front foot, including:

  • A list of the essential cybersecurity precautions law firms should take;
  • Advice on how to protect against ransomware;
  • A response checklist in the case of a cyber attack; and
  • A cybersecurity toolkit for the education of staff.

The campaign was officially launched by the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, and Law Council of Australia President, Stuart Clark AM.

Mr Clark said it was now a core priority of the Law Council to ensure Australian lawyers understand, and are prepared for, cyber threats.

“Everyday, businesses around the world are compromised by cyber attacks,” Mr Clark said.

“We know legal practices are a target and lawyers hold highly sensitive information. The good news is that security experts advise that basic actions can mitigate risks significantly.

“The Law Council’s Cyber Precedent has drawn together cybersecurity resources custom-designed for legal professionals, to help ensure the integrity of the confidential and sensitive data lawyers hold.

“It is our hope that creating a national hub for cybersecurity action for the profession will facilitate cooperation and information sharing, both within business and with government.

“As the Prime Minister said in the Federal Government’s Cyber Security Strategy, while governments can take the lead, business needs to ensure their cybersecurity practices are robust and up-to-date.

“Consideration of cyber risks should evolve beyond seeing them as an ‘IT issue.’ Cybersecurity in legal practices should be managed through a strategic and coordinated approach, and that means making cybersecurity a strategic objective,” Mr Clark said.

Cyber Precedent can be accessed at: www.cyberprecedent.com.au

Patrick Pantano: Public Affairs                                             Anil Lambert: Media

P 02 6246 3715                                                                            P 0416 426 722
E Patrick.Pantano@lawcouncil.asn.au                                       E anil@hortonadvisory.com.au

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