managed it security services
Managed IT Services

Important Questions to Ask When Choosing Managed IT Security Services

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, our society’s trend toward digitalization has only accelerated. That has made us more vulnerable to IT security concerns at the same time that cybercrime has been growing like never before. There are a lot of good reasons that companies spend more than $17 billion on IT security consulting services every year! As demand for managed IT security services grows, so do the number of options you will have to consider for your company.

Many companies have never hired managed IT security services before. If this describes your situation, how can you know which managed services are right for your business?

Fortunately, there are some key questions you can ask each service you are considering. By making sure to ask the right questions, you can hone in on the best choice for your managed IT security needs.

Read on to learn all about the most vital questions to ask when choosing managed IT security services.

Ask Each IT Security Company About Its Experience

You may not have the technical knowledge to assess each company based on its own technical expertise. However, one thing that you can understand in a straightforward manner is how much experience each IT security company you consider has.

All else equal, it is often a good idea to choose whichever company has the most experience. However, it is also important to emphasize the right type of experience. A company may have decades of experience working with clients very unlike your company.

If possible, it is better if you can find a company that has a lot of experience working with companies in your own industry. If they also have experience working with companies of a similar size, that is even better!

Ask About Flexible Security Services

Many businesses hire managed IT security in Los Angeles only to find out that they will need to change all of their in-house software. Make sure to ask about this early on so that you know how flexible your options are for IT support services in Los Angeles. Many companies are prepared to work with a wide variety of pre-existing software tools.

Whenever possible, you will want to find a company that will not require you to change what you already have set up for your business. However, you might find a strong candidate that will need to replace some or all of your pre-existing software.

If so, get as clear as possible about how long it will take until this security service is ready to protect your company. If they can get set up fast enough, it might be worth it to hire a company even if they need to change your pre-existing software.

Ask About Cybercrime When Outsourcing IT Security

Ask each company you consider about their perspective on the rise of cybercrime. Hopefully, you will find multiple companies with a deep understanding of how the world of cybersecurity is evolving.

Of course, you also want to hear how they plan to respond. If a company is not ready for new criminal tactics, you may want to look elsewhere.

Ask For Scalable Managed IT Services

Suppose you have found the perfect managed IT services in Los Angeles for your needs. Then, your company experiences significant growth. This is when you find out that your IT security company is not prepared to scale up your IT security defenses.

Make sure to ask about scalability before you hire any IT security company. It is best if you can find a company that can manage both shrinking and growing companies.

Ask Managed Service Providers About AI

AI is also transforming the world of cybercrime and defense. Ask each company you consider about how they think the rise of AI will affect cybersecurity. You can also ask them about how they are using AI tools to improve the defenses they offer their customers.

It is often best to find a company that is already adapting to this major change in the technological landscape.

Ask About Each Service’s Success Stories

Make a point of asking about each IT security provider’s biggest success stories. You can learn a lot about a company based on how impressive these stories are. On the other hand, if they struggle to come up with anything interesting, that may be a sign that they do not provide outstanding protection.

It can also help to ask about the biggest failures of each company you consider. Great companies often make failure stories look good in retrospect. If you find a company that responded to a big failure by improving its services in multiple ways, that can be a sign that it might be the right company for you.

Ask IT Security Companies for References

You do not need to make a choice about your IT security provider in the middle of a meeting. Instead, make sure to ask for references and get in contact with them.

Great companies often have a long list of references who are willing to speak about them in glowing terms. You may also want to look for reviews and ratings online.

Be Ready to Choose the Right Managed IT Security Services for You

It can be difficult to know which managed IT security services are right for your company. However, we hope that the principles in this article will help you hone in on the right choice for your situation. It is more than worth investing the time and effort necessary to make sure that you choose a managed IT security service you will feel satisfied with.

To learn more about how you can find the right managed IT services for your needs, reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!

monitoring strategy
Managed IT Services

The Best IT Monitoring Strategies and Practices

Did you know that a company’s success depends on how well its IT systems work in the digital age? IT monitoring was used to focus on making sure IT services worked well.

Today, businesses are turning to digital transformation. The job of monitoring has changed to encompass and protect the whole business environment.

An IT monitoring strategy is crucial for businesses as they increasingly rely on technology. Continuous monitoring helps detect critical issues before impacting business processes or user experience.

However, monitoring IT infrastructure takes work, primarily because, today, most businesses have many devices spread across many locations. Let’s learn more below.

What Is IT Monitoring?

IT monitoring is a way for IT teams to manage the performance of their computing infrastructure, including the following:

  • The business’ hardware
  • All software
  • Applications used by the business
  • Storage and backups
  • Other network-related components

This data is used to improve network performance and reduce downtime risks. A full monitoring strategy involves several levels of monitoring techniques and tools.

These layers work together to provide an end-to-end picture of the entire IT infrastructure—from networks and servers to cloud services and applications.

Why Is IT Monitoring Important?

IT monitoring is a method for IT teams to track the performance of their computing infrastructure. These include the following:

  • Help identify issues early
  • Improve security posture
  • Locate issues and bottlenecks
  • Provide an overview of the infrastructure and its components
  • Improve the quality of service to end-users

Key measures for infrastructure monitoring include the following:

  • Hardware specifications
  • Application logs
  • Uptime & throughput
  • Crash reports
  • Network capacities

These measures help troubleshoot the following:

  • Performance issues
  • Track user behavior
  • Detect security breaches
  • Provide an overview of the infrastructure and its components

Monitoring Strategy: Getting Started 

Best monitoring practices need businesses to determine which services are crucial to daily operations. Then rank those services in order of importance.

These services will have the most significant impact on the company if they fail. Finding a business’s primary services can be challenging because they can differ based on its industry and how it works.

Setting Priorities

Businesses should break their infrastructure into several major categories to prioritize core services. After that, they must prioritize them by business importance.

The monitoring order should be contingent on the impact of each service on the business. By implementing these best practices, companies can ensure their IT functions efficiently.

What About Tools For Monitoring?

Appliance performance monitoring tools are essential for monitoring critical applications and systems because they provide a way to analyze and collect monitoring data and telemetry.

APM tools can be integrated with other services to help identify risks, such as the following:

  • Slow response times
  • Downtime affecting business
  • Outlier statistics
  • Security risks

Monitor User Activity

User activity monitoring is crucial for understanding network and system issues. Real-time alerting can help identify potential problems.

You can do this by triggering workflows that automatically notify the correct person and initiate corrective action—eliminating the need for manual processes that slow down business operations and drive costs.

Keep an Eye on Your Network

Monitoring your network on a continuous basis is essential for identifying network and security issues. Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) tools can pull traffic from a central hub, such as a router. This, combined with historical data, investigates the root causes of security incidents and network outages.

Draw Up Service Level Agreements

Service Level Agreements (SLAs) guarantee monitoring and alerting align with business goals. SLAs detail what to do in case of an issue affecting customer service and what they will do in return.

Ensure that SLAs are flexible enough to accommodate the broad spectrum of problems encountered. They must also determine the proper thresholds for monitoring and alerting.

Don’t Forget Software Licenses and Contracts

Tracking software licenses and maintenance contracts is essential for identifying issues with the software. As well as for negotiating new or extended warranties for dependable software.

Managed IT monitoring is more than just a technical task. Setting priorities is most effective when applied to accomplishing company goals, which is where they should be most closely aligned.

Key Measures for Monitoring

There are various critical metrics that companies should include in any monitoring strategy. These metrics can help companies manage performance and find areas for improvement.

Some of the most vital measures to include are the following:

Response Time

This measures the length of time it takes for a system to respond to a request. It’s essential to track response time to identify slowdowns and optimize performance.

Measuring Throughput

Here you measure the number of requests a system can handle over time. Throughput is critical to monitor if a system can handle the required load.

Error Rate

To measure the error rate, you must count how often mistakes happen in a system. By keeping a close eye on this metric, companies can do the following:

  • Quickly find errors
  • Handle them timeously
  • Fix the problems

Resulting in smooth functioning and excellent operating efficiency.

Resource Utilization

This metric measures the number of resources (e.g., CPU, memory) a system uses. Managing resource utilization is essential to track that a system is not overloaded. Also, to identify areas of improvement.

Cyber Security

In the current climate of cyber threats, it is essential to incorporate digital security services into your monitoring plan. These services provide the following:

  • Advanced threat detection
  • Vulnerability assessments
  • Timely patch management
  • Vital support during and after security crises

Strategic Monitoring: A Business Essential

A robust monitoring and security strategy is not just a best practice but a necessity for businesses. It ensures smooth operations and protects against ever-evolving threats.

By being proactive and implementing a solid monitoring strategy, businesses can navigate the digital world with confidence and success.Ready to enhance your monitoring strategy and optimize your IT infrastructure? Contact us now to explore expert solutions that can propel your business toward operational excellence and seamless performance. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your technology-driven capabilities!

Justice Under Attack: How Cybercriminals Target the Legal Sector
Uncategorized

Justice Under Attack: How Cybercriminals Target the Legal Sector

Cybercriminals are increasingly enticed by the volume of sensitive data law firms maintain. They thrive not just on the sensitivity of the data but also on the scope and detail of data they can dig up from a successful breach on a single firm, especially if it’s from a large firm. When breaches occur, your law firm is put in a vulnerable position: to comply with the cyber criminals’ demands and lose money or risk having their clients’ confidential data out in public.

Confidentiality is a core principle of the legal profession. Unfortunately, as cybercrime rises, it jeopardizes the client’s privacy of sensitive information and a firm’s reputation. In addition, law firms might have additional compulsory obligations under HIPAA to protect certain types of data, such as personal health information. Failure to do so puts them at risk of legal and regulatory consequences.

The Landscape of Cyber Threats

No law firm can afford a data breach regardless of its practice area, size, or location. However, despite the heightened awareness of these risks, many law firms still need to catch up on industry best practices. To stay ahead of the attackers, law firms must remain up-to-date with the latest cyber security threats and trends. Cybersecurity threats to law firms can be both direct and indirect and primarily include:

Phishing Attacks

Are an attempt by cybercriminals posing as legitimate institutions to try and trick users into sharing sensitive information or personal data or taking actions that make them vulnerable to a cyber-attack. Phishing is often done through emails, text messages, phone calls, or websites designed to deceive or manipulate users into sending information or assets to the wrong people. For example, your client’s email is janedoe@email.com, but criminals contact you through the email janedoe1@email.com in an attempt to make them look legitimate. 

Law firms can protect themselves and their information from phishing attacks using secure passwords and multi-factor authentication.

Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is malware that infiltrates a firm’s network and encrypts or seizes its information until a ransom is paid. The attack can come in multiple forms, often by unknowingly clicking a malicious link or downloading an infected file. Moreover, while the goal of a ransomware attack is usually extortion, there is still no guarantee that paying will release hold of your files or prevent data leakage. During such an attack, time is of the essence to ensure quick response and avoid crippling losses, both monetary and proprietary. It is, therefore, essential to have a playbook on how to recover from ransomware attacks that details all the steps you need to take next.

Data Breaches

Law firm data breaches often happen through malware, phishing attacks, hacks, or email spoofing. According to the American Bar Association Legal Technology Survey Report of 2022, 27% of law firms report having experienced a security breach at some point. Law firms have an ethical and fiduciary responsibility to protect their client’s information. A breach not only leads to a loss of customer confidence but also damages the reputation of a law firm. Take the example of the 2016 Panama Papers hack, where Panama-based firm Mossack Fonseca lost 2.6 Terabytes of data, costing the firm its reputation to date.

Insider Threats

Insider threats refer to employees who intentionally or unsuspectingly compromise your cyber security. The hybrid working environment has opened up multiple entry points for potential attackers. If employees, for example, are careless with their passwords, bad actors can gain easy access to sensitive data.

Best Practices for Cybersecurity in Law Firms

How should you optimize your cyber security approach and safeguard your law firm’s data against cyber criminals? As technology evolves, cybercriminals are also becoming sophisticated, making it increasingly challenging to protect your business. However, once you understand that cybersecurity is a continuous process, you can embrace an effective holistic approach that takes into account the following:

Employee Training and Awareness

Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of your IT team. All employees must be aware of the cyber risks they may encounter in their various roles. The first step towards cybersecurity starts with knowledge. Create a cyber situational awareness (CSA) highlighting your critical assets, common threats, and how to respond to those threats. Training will also help employees learn to recognize the signs of cyber threats like ransomware and how to avoid them. Training needs to be ongoing to stay on top of the best practices, even if you rely on managed IT services for law firms.

Multi-Factor Authentication

A good password is your first line of defense against an attacker. Consider all the services and systems your law firm relies on and ensure that strong, complex passwords protect them. To get people to use secure passwords, make it more convenient by employing multi-factor authentication (MFA). When MFA is enabled, users must provide two authentication factors to access a system.

When MFA is enabled, an attacker cannot access your data even if they have a password because they still require additional credentials like biometrics, SMS codes, USB keys, or PIN to get access.

Regular Software Updates

Outdated software and operating systems can present vulnerabilities attackers may exploit to access your systems. Updating software fixes this by optimizing performance and fixing bugs. Also, consider regularly adding patches to your system to reduce security gaps.

Outsource Managed IT Services

Outsourcing for third-party assistance for IT services for law firms is a conventional method for filling the gaps within your IT team—allowing your firm, regardless of its scope, to incorporate services and experts into its processes and improve efficiency. Leveraging managed law firm IT solutions has the following benefits:

Cost-Effectiveness

Outsourcing law firm IT services to a managed service provider is more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house IT department. You get to avoid upfront costs associated with purchasing and maintaining IT infrastructure, and you only access required services at a predictable and managed cost. Outsourcing is also an opportunity to maximize expert help that you would otherwise not be able to afford with an in-house team. This improves efficiency and security and allows your firm to remain competitive by focusing on other core functions. 

Expertise and Compliance

The legal industry is highly regulated, meaning that there are a lot of laws and compliance requirements you must meet. Managed service providers can help with compliance management by conducting comprehensive security assessments and audits on your firm’s IT infrastructure and system. They are also scalable, which allows them to grow along with your firm and swiftly respond to changes in procedures and regulations.

Focus On Core Competencies

Managed IT services will improve your firm’s productivity by ensuring your systems and networks are always available and running. They have a faster response time, with most offering round-the-clock support, providing access to specific skill sets your firm requires. Moreover, they also provide you with the latest technology on the market.

Risk Mitigation

Outsourcing IT services can help your law firm fill skills that can make you vulnerable without the associated cost of hiring an in-house employee. It also brings in deep experience regarding potential risks and their solutions. This ability to benefit from outside expertise is a crucial advantage of outsourcing. As IT services experts, they can streamline your operations and ensure that your systems are protected more effectively than if you were doing it on your own.

Tailored Solutions for Your LA Law Firm

Managing cybersecurity risks is an ongoing challenge. However, many law firms lack the internal skills, knowledge, and resources to facilitate comprehensive cybersecurity. While you can’t guarantee that a breach won’t occur, you can optimize your law firm’s cybersecurity approach to drastically minimize the chances of it happening.

We Solve Problems IT provides effective IT solutions tailored for organizations based in Los Angeles. We simplify IT solutions to streamline your workflow and productivity. Contact us today to learn more about our managed IT services.

service management in Los Angeles
Managed IT Services

How To Hire Network Service Management in Los Angeles For Your Business

Only 35% of all small businesses in the US survive past the ten-year mark, although small businesses make up 99.9% of the companies in the US. If you are a business owner in Los Angeles, you may need network service management, or what’s better known as managed IT services. Business technology can feel overwhelming, especially when you have other administrative tasks.

The good news is that there are companies out there that handle all of this for you. This guide will help you understand how to hire the best Los Angeles managed IT services company.

Keep reading to find out how to choose a managed IT service in the Los Angeles area.

Look Online

There are many Los Angeles managed IT service options to choose from. The first place you should start looking is online to find local options.

There are certain factors that you need to consider when doing your research. First and foremost, you need to look at the kind of website the company has.

A high-quality website should have a professional website with plenty of information. It should have its services listed as well as contact information.

 b If the website is glitchy or not secure, that is a red flag. It would also help if you took some time to read online reviews from other clients.

Reviews give you the opportunity to see how the company works. You can also get some insight into the kinds of businesses the company has worked with.

Take these reviews with a grain of salt since they are personal opinions. A few negative reviews are not a red flag since every company will have them.

If there is any information you can’t find online, make a note of this. You can always contact the company directly to ask additional questions.

Consider Experience

When hiring managed IT services in Los Angeles, you need to choose the right company. Your business technology is the backbone of how your business works.

Your business will suffer if the company doesn’t know what it’s doing. You want to choose a company that has experience in your industry.

IT services are comprehensive, and some companies have specific specialties. If you are in real estate, look for IT management with experience in that area.

You may be able to find this information online, or you may have to contact the company. Some reviews may also indicate what industry that client is in.

You may also have specific things you want the company to understand. For example, if you are a small business, this could impact what you need.

Or, if you are a start-up business, you may want a company with experience in this area.

Look at the Support Team

When it comes to business technology, certain things are a priority. A managed IT service company has to have a good support team to do its job.

For instance, We Solve Problems has an 11-minute response time on average. This shows that this company has exceptional support for its clients.

They also have a 99% user satisfaction rate, showing their clients are happy. These are essential aspects to consider before hiring a company.

If you run into technology emergencies, you want access to help quickly. You also want to consider how friendly and helpful the support team is.

They should be eager to assist and understand technology problems well.

It is also a good idea to look for companies that have been in business for quite some time. The longer the company has been around, the more client experience it has.

Evaluate IT Services

Different managed IT service companies provide additional things for their clients. You most likely have specific needs, which is why you want to hire someone.

You need to research the services these companies provide regarding your goals. Do you need cybersecurity so you don’t have to worry about cyberattacks?

Or are you more concerned with device management and managed IT? Identify your goals and guarantee the company offers services that align with them.

When you hire an IT company, you want to work with them in the future. If the company doesn’t provide what you need, you will eventually have to look elsewhere.

Have a Consultation

What are the most important aspects of hiring a managed IT service company is the last step. Before making your decision, have consultations with your remaining options.

Consultations are where you get to speak with someone from the company, whether that be an in-person meeting or online consultation.

This is the perfect time to ask any remaining questions you have. You can also bring up concerns and ask about the company’s solutions.

It is crucial that the person you’re speaking to communicate clearly. They should listen and be able to break down complex topics for you to understand.

You can also ask about the rates that the company charges. Sometimes these are fixed rates, while other times, you may need to get a specific quote.

How to Find the Best Service Management in Los Angeles

As a business owner, you have a lot of jobs you have to juggle. One of these jobs is business technology, which can feel overwhelming.

That is why you should hire managed IT service in Los Angeles that provides business services. You need to look at reviews as well as the experience of the company.

The management company should also have exceptional support and IT services.

Do you need help with your business technology in the Los Angeles area? Contact us today at We Solve Problems to schedule a consultation.

IT security services
Managed IT Services

Benefits of Hiring IT Security Services for Your Business

The average data breach costs companies in the United States over $4 million per incident. For most businesses, this is one of the most catastrophic cybersecurity incidents. It might even be impossible to recover from in some cases. Having the right IT security services helps ensure your data stays safe from a wide range of threats.

Not everyone understands all the benefits managed cybersecurity services provide, though. Listed below are some of the most notable to consider.

Active Monitoring

Active monitoring is one of the most essential attributes to keep in mind. Your IT security provider will constantly scan your security architecture for threats that might arise. They will then take immediate action to quarantine and eliminate them. This will go a long way in keeping your data safe.

After all, it often only takes minutes for a cybercriminal to procure sensitive information or cause damage to internal systems. This safeguard can mean the difference between whether or not you prevent an attack.

Conducting Employee Training

The Los Angeles provider you work with will get your employees up to speed on cybersecurity. This involves teaching them best practices and educating them on common threats.

For example, your provider could teach your team how to recognize and respond to a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack. Your provider will also teach them how to maintain security measures. While you can train your team independently, a professional can do so more efficiently and achieve better results.

Weakness Identification

Many entrepreneurs are surprised to learn that their security systems aren’t as robust as expected.

There are often hardware and software issues that cybercriminals could exploit. Sometimes, the company’s day-to-day operations could be a high-risk target for hackers without the company even realizing it.

The professional you hire will identify weaknesses in your security architecture. They can then take the necessary steps to patch them up and strengthen your defenses. Without a trained eye, it could be difficult or even impossible to discern issues like these.

Maintaining Compliance

Dealing with compliance issues can be costly. A compliance breach often comes with numerous fines and fees.

It can also damage your brand’s reputation. Let’s assume that a financial institution was discovered to be non-compliant with industry-mandated security measures. This would make the company’s clients uneasy about letting the business handle their money.

Subsequently, they could choose to work with a competitor instead. It’s also worth noting that failing to maintain compliance puts sensitive information at risk.

A reputable firm can help you meet your industry’s requirements. They will also have knowledge of emerging trends or changing regulations. So they can help you adapt as needed.

One of the best ways a professional can help you is by maintaining compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Businesses that operate in Los Angeles will need to adhere to these regulations, and this can be difficult without the proper guidance.

Urgent Crisis Response

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to prevent 100% of attacks. There may come a day when you deal with the aftermath of a data breach. Experienced professionals can develop crisis response plans to help get you back on track as soon as possible.

This involves quarantining the threat, discovering its source, and eliminating it. They will also take action to safeguard new data once a data breach occurs. Without measures like these, your company could experience extended downtime, something you want to avoid at all costs.

The ideal crisis response plan will vary depending on certain factors. The size of your business, the industry you work within, and more will influence your best course of action. Regardless, your IT professional can help you come up with something ideal.

Protection From Cyber Threats

As you might assume, IT security services will protect you from cyber threats. They will implement safeguards and data protection strategies to minimize the chance of a data breach in the future.

This includes defending against the most common threats and those you’re unlikely to experience. This provides a comprehensive level of protection you won’t be able to achieve otherwise.

Access to Quality Technology

You won’t have to worry about purchasing expensive software if you work with an experienced firm in LA. They’ll be responsible for using modern applications to protect your business.

In many cases, this can save your company thousands of dollars. This is something that small businesses can substantially benefit from. They often don’t have the capital to make purchases like these.

As new tools are developed, your professional will implement them if necessary. This allows you to place more focus on your company and its growth.

Cost Savings

Handling cybersecurity obligations on your own can be an expensive process. For example, you might have to hire a full-time employee to manage these responsibilities.

Even outsourcing to a contractor can quickly add up over time. You also run the risk of having difficulty finding the right talent.

Instead, hiring a professional IT security firm in Los Angeles can help you save a substantial amount of money. It allows you to keep your internal team lean, which can go a long way regarding how fast you scale your business. Be sure to keep this in mind when moving forward.

Hire the Right IT Security Services for Your Company

Not all security services are created equal, so it’s crucial to consider the above information. Look for IT security services that can offer the benefits above. This will help ensure you get the best results.

Get in touch with us today at We Solve Problems IT. Our team of experts is ready to help assess your needs and reach your data security goals, whether that be cost savings, employee training, and more.

Compliance for Law Firms
Managed IT Services

6 Ways MSPs Support Regulatory Compliance for Law Firms

Today, the success of any business revolves around technology, and law firms are not exempt. However, a new challenge emerges as law firms rush to reap the benefits of digital transformation. The pressure of managing the ever-evolving digital landscape and the security and legal compliance requirements it gives rise to—and at the same time, focus on clients and perform other tasks that benefit the law firm’s bottom line. The speed at which law firms adopt technology has left many IT teams overworked, overwhelmed, and unable to keep up with security and compliance. 

Your law firm handles confidential and valuable information that makes you especially vulnerable to cyber criminals looking to harvest sensitive data. The consequences of a data breach often lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and severe financial penalties and losses, not just for you and your firm but your clients too.Fortunately, managed service providers (MSPs) can help your law firm optimize IT systems to ensure more efficient and productive operations. They serve as external experts and bring technical expertise, specialized skill sets, and experience while providing valuable insights and recommendations to improve your firm’s overall IT strategy, security, and compliance. A wide range of regulatory requirements governs the legal industry, and luckily, MSPs have the resource capacity to help lawyers and their firms maintain data security and compliance.

Ensuring Data Security

 Preventing your law firm against security threats requires implementing an end-to-end, layered security strategy. Managed service providers offer a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity services to meet your firm’s specific needs—including threat monitoring, vulnerability assessments, and establishing robust data recovery and backup protocols.

Types of Data at Risk

Law firms store a treasure trove of information that can be a target for cybercriminals and include:

  • Intellectual property protected by patents and trademarks

  • Trade secrets, which include business strategies, details on potential mergers and acquisitions, and other corporate transactions

  • Legal strategy, including investigation reports, litigation, and compliance tactics

  • Personal identifiable information (PII)

  • Attorney-client privileged sensitive information

Security Protocols by MSPs

MSPs can still be the targets of cyber attacks because they are a gateway to your firm’s IT network. Therefore, to ensure that their security is not compromised and protect your law firm’s IT solutions, the US Department of Homeland Security recommends that MSPs implement the following measures:

  • Adhere to the principle of least privilege. MSPs should keep their data separate from clients, and networks should not be shared.
  • Adopt a robust network and monitoring solution that recognizes malicious activity on the security infrastructure.
  • Ensure that log information enables maximum detection and focuses on monitoring account misuse.

24/7 Monitoring and Support

Compliance is an ongoing process and requires a lasting management solution to stay on top of all legal requirements. Managed IT for law firms ensures continuous monitoring and management to ensure issues are detected before they can escalate, thus minimizing disruptions to your operations. This involves using automated systems to detect and report any suspicious activities.

The Risks of Downtime

Downtime, either due to network failure or cyber attacks, can immensely disrupt your firm’s operations, leading to revenue and productivity loss. In the case of a cyber incident, downtime to your firm is estimated to stretch up to 21 days, causing severe financial losses and reputational damage.

Real-time Monitoring Benefits

Cyber attacks come in many forms today, meaning your firm is always at risk. Having your defenses up around the clock ensures that you can always detect any potential malicious activity. Getting real-time updates on your network security lets you stay ahead of cybercriminals throughout the cyber-attack lifecycle.

Cost Effective Solutions 

Managed IT services for law firms can help save money by eliminating the need for an in-house IT team—helping cut down on your overhead costs while still providing you with reliable and secure solutions. In addition, as your business grows and your IT needs change, managed services provide easily scalable solutions.

Hidden Costs of In-House IT 

Many hidden costs are associated with hiring and training an in-house IT team. From the hiring and onboarding costs to the programs and facilities they will need, such as hardware, software licenses, and sometimes specialized support. Generally, setting up and maintaining your IT system in-house demands significant financial commitment.

Pricing Models of MSPs 

Managed IT solutions allow you to quickly scale up or down on your IT needs, meaning that you are only paying for the services you need. Most services are subscription-based, allowing you to control when to take them on or end the service.

Return on Investment 

Considering the ratio of benefits you get from managed service providers to the total cost you pay for their services, you will be getting more value for every cent spent than if you were managing an in-house team.

Managed IT services for law firms ensure compliance by implementing security controls and conducting comprehensive compliance assessments. Which helps establish which regulations you must adhere to and develop a plan to ensure compliance. Since compliance is their specialty, they are familiar with the legal frameworks and are current on the latest trends.

Compliance requirements vary with locations, and MSPs can help you understand your firm’s legal responsibilities, which may include the following:

  • HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
  • GDPR: General Data Protection Regulations, which lays the standards for businesses handling personal data.
  • PCI DSS: Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard

MSPs’ Compliance Certifications 

To establish credibility with customers, managed service providers for law firms need third-party verification of their security infrastructure and practices. Compliance certifications also show that a provider is competent enough to target a specific industry. When working with an MSP with a compliance certificate, you reassure your clients that all necessary measures have been taken to guarantee their confidentiality and data security.

Cybersecurity Measures 

MSPs can keep up with security threats as they evolve. They are updated on the latest technological trends and best practices to enhance your law firm’s cybersecurity measures. The high volume of sensitive data that legal firms hold puts you at increased risk of cyber attacks and breaches. MSPs improve your cybersecurity posture by conducting security assessments, implementing security protocols, and updating your systems and patches so that you don’t have to worry.

Types of Cyber Threats

Common types of cyber threats targeted at law firms include:

  • Data breaches
  • Ransomware attacks
  • Phishing scams
  • Internal threats, such as disgruntled employees

Cybersecurity Tools Used by MSPs 

MSPs have numerous tools to help your law firm improve cybersecurity. These include Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), patch management, vulnerability scanning, and firewall protection.

Data Management Solutions 

Proper data management is a priority for every law firm. You want your law firm to maintain detailed records in a structured, secure, and easily accessible manner. MSPs can help implement efficient ways of keeping records that meet the necessary legal compliance requirements while improving productivity.

Importance of Data Organization 

Data management makes it easy to retrieve and trace information and saves your law firm from spending hours on administrative tasks. Since data is the lifeblood of every modern business, proper data organization enhances data integrity. This helps your law firm make better and more informed decisions.

Data Management Tools by MSPs

MSPs can help your law firm effectively manage data by providing data analytics solutions, storage, security, and governance.

How We Solve Problems IT Can Support Your Law Firm

We Solve Problems provides managed IT services to law firms that need help managing and protecting their IT infrastructure and implementing solutions to enhance the system. Compliance may seem daunting, but our personalized IT services can help you meet the challenges hindering you from keeping up with the industry’s regulatory standards. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Deep Dive: Data Protection Strategies for Law Firms
Cybersecurity

Deep Dive: Data Protection Strategies for Law Firms

Robust data security has become a priority for law firms, as high-profile attacks have exposed the vulnerabilities within the sector and compliance regulations have tightened. The stakes regarding data protection strategies for the legal industry and the clients they serve are astonishingly high. A data breach can expose confidential and sensitive information, leaving you grappling with lawsuits, financial losses, and a damaged reputation. 

Law firm data breaches have been on the rise in 2023, and surprisingly, cybercriminals are successfully hitting both small and large firms alike. In July 2023, it became public that three of the top 50 law firms had been breached. All three, Kirkland & Ellis, K&L Gates, and Proskauer Rose, were attacked by the ransomware group Clop. So, if these large firms can be breached, who is safe?

The Risks of Inadequate Data Protection 

In 2022, more than 100 law firms in 17+ states in the US reported incidents of cyber-attacks and data breaches. The same year, the American Bar Association published that 27% of law firms experienced a security breach. Cybercriminals know the wealth of information within your law firm’s data, which is an opportunity to monetize any successful breach. In addition, downtime for a law firm can be very costly—an incentive for attackers to use ransomware. 

Furthermore, inadequate data security for law firms leads to some of the following consequences: 

Financial Penalties 

For a small firm, the average cost of a data breach is estimated to be $36,000. Even more disheartening is the approximated 31% of clients that will terminate their relationship with you, leading to additional lost revenue. You may also have to pay ransom if it is a ransomware attack. 

An incident like this may also include legal fees, containing damage, and initiating recovery costs, all for cleaning up the entire mess to get the attack behind you. 

Loss of Client Data 

Data breaches for law firms are alarming because they can expose sensitive client information. Lawyers and legal professionals must protect the confidentiality of client information under the American Bar Association (ABA) Rule 1,6 (Confidentiality Information). 

You must take reasonable steps to safeguard your firm from losing client data. Some examples of actionable steps include enabling encryption, two-factor authentication, and screening legal tech vendors.

Reputation Damage 

In today’s digital age, news of data breaches spread rapidly. The negative publicity surrounding your firm’s data governance failure can cause severe reputational damage that diminishes your brand value and makes it difficult to maintain existing clients or attract new ones. 

Firms that suffer data breaches risk facing legal action and potential lawsuits from affected clients or relevant regulatory bodies. Legal battles can be time-consuming and expensive and further tarnish your firm’s reputation, especially if the ruling isn’t in your favor. 

Beyond ethical requirements, there are specific data security laws that firms must adhere to, which include HIPAA, GDPR, and other state-specific laws.

Key Data Protection Strategies 

Contrary to what most people think, securing your data is not a one-time thing but a continuous process. Threats are ever-evolving, and cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated daily. Some of the measures that law firms can implement to prevent data breaches include:

Secure Data Storage 

Law firms must ensure that all processes and technologies used to store data maintain their security and integrity. Secure data storage is achieved through:

  • Data encryption;
  • Access control mechanism on each data storage device or software;
  • Protection against malware;
  • Enforcement and implementation of layered storage security architecture and more.

Security measures also include keeping information away from unauthorized hands. Data storage security must ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability at the highest level.

Employee Onboarding and Offboarding 

Many incidents of data breaches occur simply due to human error. Proper employee onboarding is, therefore, critical to ensure that employees in your firm can enforce data security and recognize threats. Onboarding ensures new employees receive the appropriate access permissions and know the best practices, policies, and procedures for preventing breaches. 

When it’s time for an employee to exit the firm, offboarding is necessary to ensure data security. It involves revoking access rights and reducing the risk of disgruntled former employees becoming insider threats. Offboarding ensures ex-employees can no longer access sensitive data after their departure.

Encryption 

Data encryption is a simple yet effective data protection strategy. Encryption means translating data from a readable format to an encoded form. Encrypted data can only be read or processed after decryption with a key or password—ensuring that sensitive data is secured in transit and at rest. Law firms can work with managed IT solutions providers to identify robust encryption algorithms to protect their data.

Regular Audits

Law firms must conduct periodic security audits to establish if there are any vulnerabilities and identify areas for improvement. Audits help you determine your data security posture and what can be implemented to improve it.

Role of Managed IT Services in Data Protection 

Managed IT services for law firms give you access to high-quality IT solutions with significant monetary investment. Solutions range from managing a firm’s IT network to providing help desk support. This service feature allows law experts to focus on serving clients and building revenue instead of trying to manage complex technology systems and networks.

Comprehensive Security Solutions 

MSPs manage data and system security to ensure your network is always secure and operational. They provide services like security systems compliance, remote access management, software application security management, user access management, and continuous threat monitoring.

24/7 Monitoring 

MSPs help you proactively detect issues before they happen, allowing early identification of security breaches that could be catastrophic. Swift action helps minimize downtime and disruptions before they impact your firm’s operations.

Custom Solutions 

Most managed service providers can tailor their services to meet your needs. You only pay for needed services, which helps minimize expenses and improve your bottom line.

Why Choose We Solve Problems IT 

At We Solve Problems IT, we provide a range of IT solutions that help you prioritize data security for your law firm. Here are some of the things to expect when working with us:

Responsive Team 

We have an average response time of 11 minutes, meaning that if you ever encounter a problem, you can rely on us to solve it within the shortest time possible, either remotely or on-site.

Proactive Approach 

We Solve Problems strategically monitors your IT infrastructure to protect your firm from potential threats that could disrupt your business.

Cyber-Security Conscious 

Cybersecurity must be at the center of any modern IT infrastructure. We at WSP have the skills and resources to handle and eliminate security breaches, protecting your law firm and clients.

100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed 

We have been offering managed IT solutions for more than 15 years and have built a wealth of knowledge and skills to help us maintain your systems so that they operate efficiently and securely.

Transparent Pricing 

We do not charge hidden fees or include additional costs for our services. We maintain a transparent pricing system with accurate quotes to help make billing predictable.

Invest in Managed IT

Professional-managed IT providers like We Solve Problems have invested in the latest technology and equipment to help streamline your processes and protect your network systems. You can rely on them to manage your law firm’s IT needs so that your team focuses on clients and their cases.

Do you need help to protect your critical data and better serve your clients? Contact us to get started on a data protection strategy or learn more about our full-service IT offering for law firms. 

cloud management services
Cloud

Signs Your Business Needs Managed It Services

Projections show that at least 60% of businesses will depend on managed IT services by 2025.

Running a business is always a challenging task. Today’s technology is moving fast, so keeping up with the latest advancements is another obstacle companies face.

Cloud technology is one of the latest developments, and it presents many opportunities for companies. If you’re not making use of it, your competitors that are will have an edge over you. With the help of managed IT services in Los Angeles, you can use cloud technology to improve business operations in various ways.

This guide will cover the critical signs your business needs to hire cloud management services in Los Angeles. Keep reading for more.

You Have Security Concerns

Cyber security is one of the biggest concerns in today’s world. As computers have become a more significant part of life and more businesses have moved online, so too have the number of cyber attacks.

On average, a cyber attack happens every 39 seconds and 43% of these target small businesses. There are all different kinds of attacks, such as phishing scams, ransomware, and malware. While security is continuously improving, hackers always find new tactics to exploit.

A single data breach can be devastating for a business. The costs can often ruin businesses, and customers will quickly lose trust. Even if your company survives, many of your customers will go to your competitors if they don’t think you can keep their data safe.

It can be difficult to keep up with cybercriminals, but with managed IT services, you stay updated with the latest cybersecurity threats and trends. They’ll ensure your network is always as safe as possible and constantly monitor it for potential threats.

Your IT Team Is Overwhelmed

Your business’s size will likely dictate your IT team’s size. For small businesses, it’s normal to have just one dedicated IT person or sometimes even none. If you need someone working full-time on your IT systems, consider hiring a managed IT service in Los Angeles.

If you have a single IT person or a small IT team, they’ll likely try to do many things simultaneously. It doesn’t take much for IT staff to get overwhelmed, as issues can quickly pile up.

Working with a managed IT service will lighten the load significantly, helping to ensure your IT team is well-rested for work to be delegated for productivity; this can include a range of tasks, such as updating systems, training employees, security monitoring, and more.

You’re Worried About Costs

Costs are always a factor for any business, and being able to keep them down wherever possible is always beneficial. You might be concerned that managed IT services in Los Angeles will be too expensive, but it’s a cost-effective solution in many cases.

As your business grows, you can’t avoid the need for effective IT systems. You’ll need to take on more staff to handle this. The cost of employing an entire IT team and managing everything in-house will often be more than hiring managed IT services, and the results may not be as good.

At We Solve Problems, we can look at your business technology and discuss your needs with you. From this, we can create a custom management plan for your business so you only pay for what you need and get the most out of the money you spend.

A Disruption Would Be a Major Issue

Consider how much a major IT issue would impact your business. A cyber attack is bad for any organization but may also have a knock-on effect that could cause more problems.

A typical example could be delays in customer orders. If you experience downtime, you might not be able to keep promises about the delivery of your products or services, affecting the customer experience.

Your network is instrumental, but there’s no denying that almost all businesses rely on them being functional at all times. One of the best ways to maintain consistent uptime is with the assistance of a managed IT service.

Your Team Is Stuck in a Reactive State

As time passes, your business will grow, and you’ll have new needs. As a result, your team may add infrastructure as needed, such as new workstations, software, devices, etc. If done without proper planning, it can make things much more complicated than they need to be.

Managed IT services work proactively to prepare for growth, so you can keep your network simple while keeping the cost of upgrades to a minimum.

You Need Help Migrating

Migrating to a new system can be complicated, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. It must be done right, as mistakes can lead to downtime, security issues, and lost data.

Managed IT services will be able to migrate everything quickly and effectively, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of your new system without facing issues.

You Need Help Desk Support

Help desk support is one of the main benefits of managed IT services in LA. There can be plenty of problems that your staff run into while using your systems. If they can quickly get assistance, it can make things much more manageable.

The team at We Solve Problems is on hand to do just that whenever necessary. Constant service means your team can get help anytime, and your business can operate normally.

Cloud Management Services in Los Angeles for Your Business

Cloud management services have plenty of benefits, and if you want to grow your business effectively, it could be an excellent decision. We Solve Problems offers managed IT services in Los Angeles and various other services that could help you achieve your business goals.

Take a look at our Managed IT Services page to find out more.

managed it services
Managed IT Services

A Business Owner’s Guide to Hiring Managed IT Services

In the heart of Los Angeles, a city buzzing with innovation and progress, every second matters for a thriving small business. Imagine losing precious work hours due to an unexpected IT glitch. The effects are costly, both in terms of finances and lost opportunities.

What if you could eliminate this concern, optimize your IT infrastructure, and focus solely on growing your business? This is where managed IT comes in. Continue reading to discover how managed IT can revolutionize your business, boost productivity, and save you from potential technological nightmares.

Understanding Managed IT Services in Los Angeles

Managed IT services can seem complex, but their core concept is rather straightforward. Think of managed IT as a comprehensive package of technology solutions. One that oversees your entire IT infrastructure.

From regular system maintenance to cybersecurity, these services cover all aspects of your business technology. This proactive approach is designed to prevent any IT issues before they disrupt your operations.

Managed IT service providers, or MSPs, are experts in the IT field. They employ a team of professionals who have experience with various types of business technology.

Their job is to ensure that your IT systems are always up and running and reduce any downtime that could impact your productivity. They accomplish this through consistent monitoring and timely response to any potential threats or problems.

One significant aspect of managed IT is its focus on prevention rather than reaction. Unlike traditional IT support that steps in after a problem occurs, managed IT support in Los Angeles works continuously to keep your systems in optimal condition. This method of IT management helps your business avoid unforeseen problems, saving both time and money in the long run.

The Importance of Managed IT for Small Businesses

Small businesses face big challenges, and dealing with IT doesn’t have to be one of them. If you’re working hard to grow your business, constant tech troubles can really slow you down. That’s where managed IT services shine.

Having a skilled team manage your tech means fewer worries about system crashes or data leaks. MSPs provide top-tier protection for your business technology.

They keep a close watch on your systems 24/7, promptly addressing any security threats. This leaves you free to focus on what really matters – running your business.

Managed IT services are also flexible, scaling to meet your needs. As your business grows and changes, so do your tech needs.

An MSP can adjust their offerings to keep pace with your business and provide more when you need it and less when you don’t. This ensures you only pay for what you really need.

Cost savings is another big advantage of managed IT. Having a full-time IT team on your payroll can be a big expense for a small business.

With managed IT services, you get expert support without the hefty price tag of full-time staff. You save money and gain the peace of mind of knowing that your tech needs are being handled by pros who stay current on the latest in business technology.

In the high-stakes game of professional services, every advantage can make a difference. Managed IT services could be the boost that sets your business apart, providing stability, safety, and the flexibility to grow, all while helping you navigate the complex world of business technology.

How Managed IT can Drive Business Advancements

When you think of business advancements, you likely imagine innovative strategies or ground-breaking products. But did you know that the state of your IT infrastructure plays a key role in driving progress?

Managed IT services are not just about solving tech issues. They can be a catalyst for growth and innovation.

A well-maintained IT system boosts efficiency. Fewer glitches mean fewer interruptions. Your staff can focus on their work without the frustration of system failures.

They can complete tasks quicker and serve clients better. This efficiency drives performance and allows your business to stand out from the competition.

Cybersecurity is another area where managed IT excels. Security breaches can harm a company’s reputation and cause financial losses. By monitoring your systems and applying the latest security measures, managed IT services help protect your business from such threats.

But perhaps the most exciting aspect is the potential for growth.

With the flexible nature of managed IT services, you can scale your IT infrastructure as your business expands. You don’t have to worry about outgrowing your systems. Your Los Angeles managed IT services provider will adapt their services to meet your growing needs.

Choosing the Right Managed IT Service Provider in Los Angeles

Navigating the tech landscape of Los Angeles to find the right managed IT service provider can feel overwhelming. It’s a city teeming with providers, each promising the best IT services. To ensure your business’s future success, choosing the right provider is crucial.

Look for a provider with solid experience and expertise in the city’s unique IT landscape. Los Angeles is the home of innovation and a thriving hub of numerous industries. It demands a unique set of IT solutions.

A provider with a strong local track record can offer insights tailored to the city’s business technology sector. They will understand the challenges and opportunities inherent in the region.

Communication is another key factor, particularly in the fast-paced L.A. environment. Your provider should communicate in plain, understandable language, no matter how complex the IT issues may be. They should always keep you informed and help you grasp the workings of your IT systems and the solutions being applied.

The diversity of industries in Los Angeles calls for a wide range of IT services. Ensure that your chosen provider offers a comprehensive package that caters to all your IT needs, from cloud networking to cybersecurity. Their service offering should be as diverse and dynamic as the city itself.

Customer satisfaction should also be at the forefront of their approach. In a city where customer service can set a business apart, your provider should go the extra mile to ensure you’re happy with their service. Their response should be swift and attentive, always aiming to resolve issues to your satisfaction.

Finding the right managed IT service provider in Los Angeles is no small task. Yet, with these points in mind, you can select a provider that aligns with your business needs and contributes to your ongoing success.

Future-Proof Your Business with Managed IT

Embracing managed IT is more than just a smart move. It’s a necessary strategy for any business seeking to thrive. It provides you with an arsenal of resources to keep your business technology up-to-date, secure, and optimized.

It allows you to redirect your energy to what matters most – running and growing your business. So why not partner with an experienced provider that promises fast response times, clear communication, and complete satisfaction?

At We Solve Problems, we aim to redefine your perception of managed IT in Los Angeles. Contact us for a free consultation and take the first step towards a hassle-free IT future.

IT Solutions for Law Firms
Managed IT Services

The Top 7 IT Solutions for Law Firms

The technology revolution has remodeled the whole work process into something more productive than ever before. Every industry is now leveraging technology in one way or another. Law firms and lawyers have embraced new methods and approaches to dealing with daily work and cases in the legal sector. By marrying law with technology, such as AI and machine learning, your law firm can quickly analyze mountains of legal data and free your attorneys from the monotonous task of manually reviewing documents to unravel valuable insights for case management. 

Digital transformations are revolutionizing the legal experience for the better. In addition to handling the legal work, you also have to take care of the business side of a law firm. Building a tech stack or solutions stack of suitable legal software can help streamline and optimize some of the processes of managing and running a law firm. Legal software can help automate key workflows, collect better data, create standard outputs, enhance collaboration and transparency, and minimize human error, improving productivity and client satisfaction.

If your law firm is committed to maximizing technology, you should have software covering all core areas of your business. This article highlights some of the leading software categories to include in your law firm’s IT solutions stack.

Case Management Software

Controlling the entire litigation process is often painstaking. However, case management software helps law firms manage different aspects of front- and back-office workflow functions.

What is Case Management Software? 

Case management IT solutions for law firms eliminate the need for physical files and enhance information tracking and storage. The software helps attorneys to centrally store and manage all relevant case information on a single, readily accessible platform. 

Key Features to Look For 

Some of the essential features to look for in a case management software include:

  • Calendaring, timekeeping, and billing
  • Contact and client management
  • To-do-lists, reminders, and scheduling capabilities
  • Document/Form assembly
  • Data security 
  • Web-based and accessible
  • Email integration and client communication

Benefits of Using Case Management Software 

The software serves as the single source of truth, with information that is easy to access and in one place, significantly increasing efficiency and productivity. You can easily track case-related details, documents, and deadlines. The software also simplifies basic but cumbersome administration tasks and makes law firm workflows more seamless.

How to Choose the Right Case Management Software

When selecting case management software, consider your firm’s specific needs. Evaluate the scalability, user interface, and customer support offered by the vendor. Ensure that the software integrates well with other tools your firm uses.

Common Challenges in Implementing Case Management Software

While implementing case management software can bring substantial benefits, it may also pose challenges such as data migration issues, user resistance, and the need for ongoing training. Addressing these challenges upfront can lead to smoother adoption.

Document Automation

The right document automation software can help your law firm grow by streamlining the process of creating and drafting documents.

What is Document Automation Software

These are programs that your firm can use to generate documents automatically. Instead of manually creating documents from scratch, you can create templates in the software and reuse them as needed. Document automation software also comes with a predesigned library of legal document templates.

Key Features to Look For 

  • Ability to prepare standard legal documents in a short time
  • Capacity to store a large amount of legal documents
  • Search capability to allows lawyers to find files easily
  • Supports electronic signatures
  • Allows for remote access to documents
  • Sync, share, and track documents easily
  • Must be secure
  • Be able to capture billable time from any document

Benefits of Using Document Automation 

Document automation software enhances accuracy by automatically preparing documents and eliminating human errors. It also increases efficiency and makes collaborating and reviewing papers easier by keeping track of version history.

Creating Custom Templates with Document Automation

Custom templates allow your firm to maintain consistency across all documents while tailoring content to specific needs. Setting up these templates requires an initial time investment but pays off in long-term efficiency

Ensuring Security in Document Automation

Security is paramount when handling sensitive legal documents. Choose software that offers robust encryption, access controls, and compliance with industry regulations to protect your firm’s data.

Secure Communication Platforms

Communication tools are essential for enhancing law firms’ efficiency, collaboration, and client service. The right communication platforms streamline the exchange of critical information among teams while ensuring data privacy and security.

What is Communication Software for Lawyers? 

Communication software is a solution that helps law firms improve and track their communication and collaboration. A lack of internal communications is estimated to cost small businesses up to $420,000 annually. When choosing a communication tool, your firm must consider internal and external communication needs. Good communication tools help law firm teams, and clients stay on the same page.

Key Features to Look For

When looking for communications software, consider the following essential features:

  • High data security
  • Easy to use
  • Integration with other tools
  • Mobile Accessible
  • Search and bookmarking
  • Shared note-taking
  • Secure file-sharing
  • Direct and group communications

Benefits of Using Secure Communication Platforms 

Secure communication platforms allow law firms to collaborate efficiently. They help break down silos as colleagues from different divisions can collaborate and share information on the go, establishing cross-functional teams. Also, when communications are improved, productivity and efficiency increase, leading to a more successful law firm.

Integrating Communication Platforms with Other Tools

For optimal performance, integrate your communication platform with case management, billing, and document automation software. This integration allows seamless information flow across different functions within the firm.

Training Your Team on Secure Communication Tools

To maximize the benefits of secure communication platforms, it’s essential to train your staff on their proper use. Regular training sessions can help ensure that all team members are comfortable using the tools and following best practices for secure communication.

Cloud Storage Solutions 

Your law firm handles large volumes of information, and finding a reliable and safe way to store it is critical.

What is Cloud Storage? 

These are online storage solutions in which data is stored on off-site servers that a third-party provider usually maintains for more robust data protection. The third party is responsible for hosting, monitoring, and securing the data stored on its infrastructure. The provider also ensures that the data is always accessible via public or private internet connections. 

Key Features to Look For 

The best features to have in a cloud storage solution for law firms include the following:

  • Easy integration with other programs
  • File sharing options
  • Sync files/folders to a local drive
  • High-level security and privacy
  • Server and client-side encryption
  • Unlimited or expandable storage capacity
  • Access

Benefits of Using Cloud Storage 

Cloud storage solutions enable law firms to store, access, and maintain data without owning or operating their data centers—saving them capital and operational expenditures and allowing law firms to focus on other core functions. The solution is also easily scalable, reliable, and easy to use.

Choosing the Right Cloud Storage Provider

Select a cloud storage provider that offers robust security features, including encryption and compliance with legal standards. Consider the provider’s reputation, customer support, and scalability to ensure they can grow with your firm.

Ensuring Data Redundancy and Backup in Cloud Storage

Data redundancy is crucial in cloud storage to prevent data loss. Ensure that your provider offers backup solutions and multiple copies of your data across different locations.

Cybersecurity Measures 

The client-lawyer relationship cannot exist without confidentiality and privacy, including safeguarding digital assets and information. If you are a tech-savvy law firm, you must take necessary cybersecurity measures to protect your IT solutions. 

What are Cybersecurity Measures? 

Cybersecurity measures encompass all the technological tools and services your law firm has adopted to protect against cyber-attacks. A wide range of tools is essential to safeguarding the cybersecurity of your law firm’s IT solutions. Standard cybersecurity solutions for law firms include detection software, cloud backup software, anti-virus and anti-malware software, firewall, and Public Key Infrastructure(PKI).

Key Features to Look For 

Some features of cybersecurity tools or services include:

  • Advanced threat protection
  • Compliance and governance
  • Zero-trust cybersecurity
  • Privacy-enhancing computation
  • DDoS protection
  • API security
  • Data risk analysis
  • Attack analytics
  • Client-side protection

Benefits of Implementing Cybersecurity Measures 

Implementing a cybersecurity measure ensures that law firms keep their infrastructure and systems secure. It also helps them stay compliant with regulatory requirements like HIPAA and GDPR. Law firms with a cybersecurity measure can use it as a selling point to show clients that they are committed to maintaining confidentiality and privacy with the information they are entrusted with.

Conducting Regular Cybersecurity Audits

Regular cybersecurity audits help identify vulnerabilities in your firm’s IT infrastructure. These audits should be conducted by qualified professionals who can recommend and implement necessary security improvements.

Employee Training on Cybersecurity Best Practices

Cybersecurity is only as strong as its weakest link—often human error. Regular training for employees on recognizing phishing attempts, securing devices, and following data protection protocols is essential.

Time Tracking Software 

Time management is critical for law firms that want to bill clients accurately. Therefore, time tracking software for lawyers takes the hassle off the processing of tracking and billing hours.

What is Time Tracking Software? 

This program helps lawyers track and classify the amount of time spent on each task for every client. The time can then be appropriately shared with and billed to clients. Time tracking software tracks, records, and manages the time spent on various tasks and client matters to ensure lawyers are appropriately compensated, and clients are fairly and accurately billed.

Key Features to Look For 

Essential features that time-tracking software for lawyers should have include:

  • Integration with other solutions
  • Billable vs. non-billable hours
  • Automated time tracking
  • Shareable reports
  • Collaboration features like shared calendars, task assignments, and real-time updates
  • Easy to use
  • Project and team planning
  • Customizable reporting and configuration

Benefits of Using Time Tracking Software 

Effective time tracking allows for accurate billing and ensures efficient resource allocation and better decision-making within law firms.

Integrating Time Tracking with Billing and Invoicing

For seamless operations, integrate time tracking software with your billing and invoicing systems. This integration ensures that all billable hours are accurately captured and reflected in client invoices.

Analyzing Time Tracking Data for Efficiency Improvements

Time tracking data can provide insights into how resources are allocated across different tasks and cases. Use this data to identify inefficiencies and adjust workflows to optimize productivity.

Billing and Invoicing Software 

Billing and invoicing programs help law firms eliminate guesswork and the tedious processes of invoicing and billing clients.

What is Billing and Invoicing Software? 

Billing and invoicing software refers to any programs that lawyers use to automatically track consulting time, calculate billable hours, and generate invoices. This makes the billing process faster, more accurate, and more effective.

Key Features to Look For 

The best features that billing and invoicing software should have include the following:

  • Time tracking
  • New invoice creation
  • Electronic payment processing
  • Predefined templates
  • Multiple currency setting
  • Invoice, payment, and tax report

Benefits of Using Billing and Invoicing Software 

Billing and invoicing solutions help attorneys optimize workflows to save time and money while improving billing accuracyand when you can prepare invoices faster, accurately, and conveniently send them to clients, you get paid faster.

Customizing Invoices for Client Preferences

Different clients may have varying preferences for how they receive and review invoices. Billing software allows for customization of invoices to meet these preferences, enhancing client satisfaction.

Automating Payment Reminders and Follow-ups

Automated payment reminders and follow-ups can help ensure that invoices are paid on time, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving cash flow.

Why Choose We Solve Problems IT for Your IT Solutions

Law firms can leverage various IT solutions to streamline operations and improve their bottom line. It is likely that your firm already has some of the above technologies in place. However, if you are uncertain about what solutions to include or are struggling to make the best use of what you have, then it’s time to turn to managed IT services for legal professionals.

At We Solve Problems IT, we are dedicated to helping legal professionals align their legal and business needs with the best technology solutions. Contact us today for custom IT solutions that will fulfill the specific requirements of your law firm. You can also book a meeting or sign up for a free consultation.