Although alternative settlement methods are booming, the number of disputes is decreasing and means of communication make it possible to work remotely, the lawyer is more and more mobile. Whether for hearings across France or to work on sensitive operations abroad, lawyers regularly work outside their quiet and confidential offices in the 8th arrondissement. If your main office can guarantee professional secrecy and the protection of client data, this is not necessarily the case when you work remotely.
However, it is the lawyer's responsibility to protect customer data in any circumstance. However, in the field of business intelligence, it is common knowledge that a client's weak point in terms of security is their lawyer. This risk is increased when the lawyer is traveling and risks being the target of various attacks.
We offer you some practical advice to protect your data on the go.
1- Store your files on a cloud management solution
The first point of vigilance is linked to the storage medium for your data. Indeed, if possible, avoid having your data stored exclusively locally. A cloud solution allows you to have permanent access to your files without fear of losing them, particularly if your computer is stolen. Furthermore, a cloud solution allows you to avoid using a USB key, which is easily replaceable and which is a major entry point for an attack on your system.
However, a cloud solution does not prevent you from working without an internet connection. It is possible to install a local replica on your PC or Mac which will automatically update the data in the cloud as soon as you have a connection again.
2- Do not use means of transport as an annex to your offices
It can be very tempting to use the time spent in transport to work and make progress on your files. Gold, means of transport are privileged places for attacks, whether through the theft of sensitive documents or recording of your computer screen by another passenger. It is therefore necessary to be particularly vigilant in this context.
So, on the train or plane, try to limit the use of paper files, choose a window seat and use protections on your screens to avoid a side view. The best safety is to stay on guard.
3- Use a local phone when working abroad
A particular point of vigilance must be taken when you travel abroad for professional reasons (conclusion of a deal, meeting with a sensitive client, team seminar). As you know, the rules regarding telephone tapping are not the same depending on the State. Every cell phone has an IMEI number (type *#06# on your phone). This number is the “identity card” of your phone and allows you to be identified. So, you can be identified in the airport because of your IMEI number and be wiretapped quite quickly.
The most secure solution is to have it given to you by your interlocutors a local phone with your pre-recorded numbers. This solution allows you to go “under the radar” and not attract the attention of local services and authorities. Equipped with a local SIM card, the cost of communications and data consumption (GB) will be significantly reduced.
4- Never part with your phone, disconnect Bluetooth and protect your wifi connection
This solution seems obvious but it is always relevant to remember it. Avoid separating yourself from your phone, leaving it on a table or even on your bed when you are in the bathroom. Indeed, in addition to emails exchanged with your clients, many lawyers communicate with clients and colleagues via WhatsApp, whose level of Security is very low.
Furthermore, wifi and Bluetooth are risk factors for the security of your data. In particular, there are an attack called BlueBorne which allows any device with Bluetooth turned on to be attacked via a series of vulnerabilities. It is recommended to deactivate the Bluetooth function when it is not necessary.
The WiFi connection must be protected. For this you can install on your computer and your smartphone a VPN solution (available on App Store and Google Play). The visible IP address of your device will be automatically changed, preventing it from being traced back to you.
5- Encrypt the data stored on your hard drive
When traveling, you are exposed to the risk of theft or loss of equipment. It is therefore important to take precautions, especially with regard to your laptop. In addition to the mandatory password when opening the session, it is strongly recommended to encrypt the data stored on the hard drive.
Encrypting data will make it much more difficult for malicious people to access it, but will also provide better security when attempting to copy or remotely access information stored on your computer.
This operation is free on Mac (offered directly from Disk Utility but requiring a complete reinstallation). It is also possible on PC depending on the version of Windows you have.
These few recommendations certainly seem a little “extreme”, but they are followed by many senior executives of large groups and correspond to the reality of the attacks carried out. An intermediate solution is to analyze your risk factors and prioritize your level of protection. Using a decentralized CRM allows you to at least limit the risk of loss or theft of your data while protecting them from computer attacks which tend to multiply.
