What Are The Biggest Cybersecurity Risks Law Firms Face Today

By Steve Fretzin and Frank Stephens

I have a lot of conversations with lawyers about growth, marketing, and building a book of business. What does not get nearly enough attention is the one thing that can wipe all of that out overnight.

Technology risk.

In my conversation with Frank Stephens, President of CTS, we dug into a reality most lawyers are underestimating. Law firms are not just targets, they are easy targets when the wrong systems and habits are in place.

And the scary part is, most firms think they are already protected.

The False Confidence Problem

One of the biggest issues Frank sees is what I would call “false confidence.”

Lawyers believe that having a firewall, some antivirus software, and files stored in the cloud is enough. It feels like protection, but it is not comprehensive protection.

The reality is that modern cyber threats are layered, persistent, and increasingly automated. Hackers are not guessing anymore. They are using AI to study behavior, mimic communication, and exploit small gaps.

That means yesterday’s logic, basic protection and set-it-and-forget-it systems, no longer works.

Phishing Is Still the Front Door

If there is one takeaway that should get your attention, it is this.

The overwhelming majority of successful breaches start with a simple click.

Phishing emails, text messages, and fake notifications are designed to look legitimate. They mimic trusted brands, vendors, and even colleagues. And all it takes is one moment of distraction.

Lawyers are busy. They are moving fast. That is exactly what attackers are counting on.

This is not just a technology issue. It is a behavior issue. Training your team to recognize and avoid these threats is just as important as any software you install.

The Cloud Is Not a Safety Net

Another major misconception is the belief that cloud platforms automatically protect and back up your data.

They do not.

Most cloud providers only retain data for a limited period. After that, recovery may not be possible. If your firm is not actively managing backups and security settings, you are assuming a level of protection that does not exist.

That assumption creates real risk.

Ownership of your data also means ownership of its protection.

Security Is a System, Not a Tool

What became clear in my conversation with Frank is that cybersecurity is not about one solution. It is about a system.

You need protection at multiple levels. Your devices, your email, your cloud platforms, and your user behavior all need to be aligned.

Miss one piece, and you create an opening.

The firms that take this seriously are not reacting to problems. They are proactively building systems that reduce risk before something happens.

That includes regular testing, monitoring, and updating how technology is used across the firm.

Technology Should Drive Growth, Not Just Protection

While security is critical, there is another side to this conversation that often gets overlooked.

Technology should not just protect your firm. It should help you grow it.

The right systems can improve efficiency, reduce wasted time, and allow lawyers to access what they need from anywhere. That flexibility creates opportunities to serve clients better and operate more effectively.

But that only happens when technology is treated as an investment, not an expense.

Firms that embrace this mindset are not just safer. They are more competitive.

Frank Stephens’ Biggest Mistake

Frank shared a lesson that applies far beyond technology.

Earlier in his career, he held on to too much. He tried to manage everything himself instead of trusting others to take ownership.

That approach limited growth.

The turning point came when he learned to delegate and build a structure that allowed others to lead. Letting go created space to focus on strategy, scale, and long-term success.

It is a lesson that applies directly to law firm owners.

If you are doing everything, you are limiting what your business can become.

Closing Thoughts

Cybersecurity is not the most exciting topic for most lawyers. But ignoring it is not an option.

The risks are real, and they are increasing.

The good news is that this is manageable. With the right systems, the right habits, and the right partners, you can protect your firm and position it for growth at the same time.

The firms that win are not the ones who hope nothing goes wrong.

They are the ones who plan for it.

And then build something stronger because of it.

About Frank Stephens:
Frank Stephens founded Computing Technology Solutions (CTS) in 2001 with the idea that small and mid-sized businesses deserve the same IT proactive support, cybersecurity, and strategies that Fortune 500 organizations receive. Before starting CTS, Frank worked at several enterprise businesses such as Abbott, AT&T, CNA Insurance, and Microsoft.

He is passionate about giving back to the community and has served on several boards, including the Salvation Army. Frank is married with three children, and his hobbies include boating, international travel, outdoor activities with his family, and coaching his sons’ teams.

Connect with Frank Stephens:
Website: https://www.onlinects.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankstephens/

Connect with Steve Fretzin:
LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin
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Instagram: @fretzinsteve
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Website: Fretzin.com
Email: Steve@Fretzin.com
Book: Legal Business Development Isn’t Rocket Science and more!
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Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

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