Law firms have been warned about the dangers of cyber-attacks, but a recent incident has highlighted a new threat in the war against hackers. CTS, an IT provider to numerous law firms, experienced an attack that caused a crisis for conveyancing practices. As a result, completions were left uncertain, leaving clients in a state of limbo.
CTS initially reported a service outage due to a “cyber incident” and later stated that they had been working tirelessly with third-party experts to resolve the matter. While client services are now up and running again, the restoration of client environments is taking longer.
Clients affected by the incident were advised to contact their legal firm, leading to an influx of worried individuals seeking answers. Many frustrated clients took to social media to express their concerns and even “name and shame” their lawyers. One conveyancing client shared her experience of being in limbo, with movers and time off work scheduled but no confirmation on when she could pick up the keys.
O’Neill Patient Solicitors, one of the largest conveyancers in the country, was also affected by the CTS outage. The firm resorted to manual methods to ensure deals could proceed. Chief executive Nick Hale expressed sympathy for those affected and emphasized the firm’s commitment to assisting clients during this stressful time.
While law firms may feel helpless in such situations, experts suggest that there are steps they can take to protect themselves. Peter Wright, an expert in cyber protection, advises law firms to conduct thorough due diligence when selecting IT suppliers, similar to what they would recommend to their own clients. Chester Wisniewski, director at cybersecurity firm Sophos, highlights the vulnerability of managed service providers to cybercrime gangs and emphasizes the need for increased security measures.
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers advises firms to take proactive steps in protecting themselves from cyber-attacks and recommends having robust plans in place to deal with potential breaches. Cyber insurance is also recommended to access specialist support during recovery.
The recent incident serves as a reminder that law firms of all sizes can fall victim to hackers. Even top-tier firms like Allen & Overy have experienced breaches. Protecting against attacks on third-party providers adds an additional layer of difficulty, but it is crucial for firms to explore all avenues to mitigate risks and ensure the security of their clients’ transactions.