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Cyber criminals are increasingly focusing on the legal sector, exploiting sensitive client data, complex IT environments, and high-value financial processes. Recent threat activity shows law firms are no longer peripheral targets; they’ve become a primary focus for sophisticated attack campaigns.
In this article we outline the latest trends affecting legal practices, how these threats operate, and what firms can do right now to strengthen their defences.
Law firms hold vast amounts of confidential information; from client data and contracts to litigation strategies and financial records. This makes them attractive targets for cyber criminals.
In the past quarter, security teams have reported a notable increase in targeted phishing and business email compromise (BEC) attacks aimed directly at legal professionals. These campaigns frequently mimic:
Because of this tailored approach, attackers have seen higher engagement rates than with generic scams.
Additionally, ransomware groups are exploiting outdated remote access systems and unpatched software — particularly in firms that haven’t fully transitioned to secure cloud services.
Here’s a snapshot of the most prevalent attack types targeting the legal sector:
Attackers spend time monitoring internal communications to learn tone, style, and workflows. They then impersonate senior partners or clients to request unauthorised fund transfers, which is often successfully.
Impact: Significant financial loss and reputational damage.
Emails designed to look like trusted sources are becoming more convincing, often referencing real cases, clients, or regulatory bodies.
Once inside a network, attackers encrypt critical files and demand payment, threatening to release sensitive data if their demands aren’t met.
Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting third-party vendors that have access to law firm systems, using them as a backdoor into more secure networks.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has updated its guidance on cyber risk management, emphasising:
Firms are now expected not just to have security policies, but to prove they actively implement, test and evolve them. Failure to demonstrate this could lead to regulatory action or higher professional indemnity premiums.
Meanwhile, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has highlighted the growing threat of supply chain attacks, urging organisations to vet their third-party suppliers’ security practices.
Given the evolving threat landscape, firms should prioritise the following:
Phishing remains one of the easiest ways attackers gain initial access. Regular training sessions and simulated phishing tests help staff recognise the signs before it’s too late.
MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access, especially where credentials may be compromised.
Ensure users have access only to the systems they need. Reducing unnecessary privileges limits the blast radius of an attack.
Advanced filtering can catch malicious emails before they reach users. Monitoring unusual activity or login attempts helps identify threats early.
Your firm is only as secure as the vendors it works with. Conduct regular security assessments of suppliers and partners.
Cyber threats targeting the legal sector are increasing in both frequency and sophistication and no firm is immune.
Training staff, enforcing best-practice authentication, tightening access controls, and reviewing vendor security aren’t just “nice to have” — they’re essential components of a modern defence strategy.
If your firm hasn’t yet taken these steps, now is the time to act.
