Law firms handle some of the most sensitive and high-stakes data out there – from client identities, financial records, intellectual property, medical histories, the list goes on…Unfortunately, this information is incredibly valuable and a prime target for cybercriminals. According to a survey in 2024, up to 40% of law firms have experienced a security breach. Whether you are a solo attorney or part of a larger practice, your firm is not immune. In fact, smaller firms are often more vulnerable because their defenses are easier to breach.
Ransomware Starts in Your Inbox
Cyber threats and data breaches against the legal industry are growing in both scale and sophistication. As cybersecurity expert Tom Kirkham, CEO and CISO of Kirkham IronTech, points out in our Counsel Cast Chambers podcast “What Lawfirms Get Wrong About Cybersecurity Risks”, “The most common distribution method and vector to end up with a cyber attack or a ransomware cyber attack is through email.” Even small firms are prime ransomware targets because attacks are fully automated, often launched from breached email lists without regard for the victim’s size or profile.
Tom’s personal experience underscores the stakes. In 2015, a data breach exposed his information and resulted in him being placed on an ISIS kill list, an event that profoundly shaped his dedication to helping others defend themselves against escalating cyber threats.
How Can Law Firms Protect Data
While email remains a key threat vector, your law firm’s website itself, especially if left unprotected – is another door left wide open. That is where SSL comes in. Short for Secure Sockets Layer, SSL (and its latest replacement, TLS or Transport Layer Security) encrypts data transferred between your website and its visitors. TLS is now the standard for website security. This encryption protects sensitive information from interception and manipulation, helping to secure client communication and build trust with anyone engaging your services online.
Implementing SSL is one of the most basic yet powerful steps you can take to strengthen your law firm cybersecurity posture. However, it is only the beginning…
In this blog, we will explore how SSL fits into a broader set of best practices designed to help law firms secure their websites, protect their client data and defend their reputations, and why it is imperative that your website has a robust maintenance plan.
The Scale of Cybercrime
Cybercrime has evolved into one of the most lucrative and rapidly growing global industries. Ransomware alone is now considered a multi-trillion-dollar enterprise, exceeding the size and scale of the illegal drug trade. This is not the work of isolated hackers in basements; it is an organized, professional operation with structures that mirror legitimate businesses.
Criminal cyber gangs frequently operate like legitimate businesses, outsourcing key functions by renting pre-configured ransomware toolkits, using clean email servers to launch attacks and even setting up 24/7 “customer support desks” to “assist” victims in paying ransoms via cryptocurrency.
The Scalable Reality of Ransomware
What makes modern cyberattacks so dangerous is their simplicity and scale. With point-and-click software, a cybercriminal can launch a global campaign targeting tens or hundreds of thousands of email addresses at once, without even knowing or caring who the victims are.
As cybersecurity expert, Tom Kirkham, explains in our bitesized podcast episode,“What Lawfirms Get Wrong About Cybersecurity Risks”, many of the tools used in these attacks were originally developed by nation-state cyber warfare units, such as those in the U.S., China and Russia. These tools have since been leaked or stolen and are now widely available on the dark web, giving everyday criminals access to military-grade hacking technology.
How Ransomware Works
Ransomware is one of the most common and damaging forms of cyberattack facing law firms today. While it may sound complex, the method of delivery is often shockingly simple and highly effective.
Phishing Emails: The Most Common Entry Point
According to our cybersecurity podcast guest, ransomware is typically delivered through phishing emails, which are fraudulent messages designed to trick recipients into taking action. A common example is an email posing as a service provider or client, containing an Excel file labeled as an “urgent invoice.”
The message always creates a sense of urgency:
“Immediate action required: payment overdue – see attached invoice.”
Believing the email is legitimate, a staff member opens the attachment – unwittingly triggering the start of the attack.
Behind the Scenes: Encryption and Lockdown
Once opened, the Excel file may contain a macro, a small piece of code embedded in the document. If enabled, this macro:
- Calls a hidden encryption script.
- Begins locking every accessible file on the local computer.
- Spreads across any connected network drives, encrypting documents, databases, client files and backups.
This process happens silently and rapidly, often without any signs until it is far too late. Hours – or even days – later, the firm is greeted with a ransom message:
“Your files have been encrypted. Pay $10,000 in Bitcoin to recover them.”
Paying the Ransom Doesn’t Guarantee Safety
Victims of ransomware face not just the potential loss of critical data, but ransomware attacks can lead to costly downtime, regulatory breaches and lasting reputational harm. Even if the ransom is paid, there’s no guarantee of full data recovery or that hidden backdoors haven’t been left open – putting your firm and clients at continued risk.
Understanding the scale and professionalism of today’s cybercrime industry underscores why proactive, layered security – including SSL/TLS, endpoint protection, staff training and a robust website maintenance plan – is more essential than ever.
What is SSL/TLS?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its more modern successor TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols that encrypt data transmitted between a user’s browser and a website’s server. When SSL/TLS is properly implemented, it prevents sensitive data, such as passwords, contact forms, or payment information, from being intercepted or tampered with during transmission.
We have all seen the visible signs of SSL/TLS in action: a padlock icon in the browser bar and a website URL that begins with “https://“ rather than “http://”. These indicators let visitors know that the connection is secure and that the site can be trusted with confidential information.
Why SSL/TLS Matters for Legal Websites
For law firms, securing online communication is more than good practice – it is a professional obligation. SSL/TLS plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of digital interactions with clients, colleagues and courts. Here’s why it is so essential:
- Protects Sensitive Client Information:
Clients regularly submit highly personal and legally sensitive information via online forms, client portals, or chat tools. SSL/TLS ensures that this data is encrypted in transit, preventing hackers from intercepting or reading it. - Builds Trust and Credibility:
A secure website sends a clear message to clients: your firm takes privacy and data security seriously. In a digital age where trust is currency, something as simple as a missing SSL certificate can be a red flag to prospective clients and a compliance concern for regulators. - Improves Search Engine Visibility:
Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking signal. Websites secured with SSL/TLS may receive a boost in search engine rankings compared to unsecured sites, giving your firm an edge in organic visibility.
For law firms committed to protecting client data and presenting a credible, professional image online, SSL/TLS is the first line of defense and a foundational element of website security.
Selecting the Right SSL Certificate for Your Law Firm
Not all SSL certificates offer the same level of validation or visibility, so it is important to understand the differences and make a choice that aligns with your firm’s size, risk profile and the sensitivity of the data you handle.
Types of SSL Certificates
There are three primary types of SSL certificates, each offering a different level of validation:
- Domain Validated (DV): Basic verification – best for small firms or non-client-facing pages.
- Organization Validated (OV): Confirms business identity – ideal for most small to mid-sized firms.
- Extended Validation (EV): Highest level of trust – shows the firm’s name in the browser and is best for larger firms or those handling sensitive data.
Implementing SSL/TLS: Best Practices
Once you have selected the right SSL certificate for your law firm, the next step is ensuring it is implemented correctly and maintained over time.
Here are four key best practices to follow:
- Use Updated Protocols: Ensure your SSL implementation uses TLS 1.2 or higher. Older versions such as TLS 1.0 or 1.1 are outdated and vulnerable to known exploits. Many browsers now flag or block sites that rely on deprecated protocols, so keeping your implementation current is essential for both security and user experience.
- Enable HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS): HSTS is a web security policy that forces browsers to connect to your site only over HTTPS, even if the user tries to access the unsecured “http://“ version. This prevents protocol downgrade attacks, where attackers try to trick browsers into connecting over an insecure channel. Enabling HSTS adds an extra layer of protection and ensures consistent use of encrypted connections.
- Regularly Update and Renew Certificates: SSL/TLS certificates have expiration dates – often every 12 months. Letting one lapse can lead to browser warnings that drive clients away and damage trust. Set up automated monitoring or reminders to renew certificates before they expire, and regularly check your site’s configuration to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
- Utilize Trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs): Always obtain your certificate from a reputable Certificate Authority (CA). Trusted CAs are recognized by browsers and operating systems, ensuring your visitors won’t encounter warnings or errors when accessing your site. Avoid free or unknown providers that may lack proper validation or support.
- Leave the Technical Details to the Experts: Partnering with a law firm marketing agency who include these services as part of their monthly website maintenance plans, can take this headache off your plate, ensuring your site stays secure and compliant without the stress.
At Conroy Creative Counsel, we specialize in supporting law firms with their ongoing website needs. Our customized website maintenance plans are designed to keep your site secure, high-performing and up to date, so you can stay focused on practicing law while we handle the technical side.
12 Comprehensive Website Security Measures Beyond SSL
While SSL/TLS is a crucial first step in securing your law firm’s website, it is only one piece of a much broader cybersecurity puzzle. As outlined in The Essential Security Features Your Website Needs Now, true digital protection requires a multi-layered approach.
Here are some of the most important security measures every legal website should have in place:
1. Regular Software Updates
Keeping your website’s CMS, plugins, themes, and server software up to date is vital. Outdated components are one of the most frequently exploited vulnerabilities, especially on platforms such as WordPress, Joomla or Drupal. Updates often contain critical security patches that address newly discovered threats. Enabling automatic updates or assigning this task to your web team can help prevent breaches caused by known exploits.
2. Implement Strong Authentication Mechanisms
One of the easiest, yet most powerful ways to secure your website is by requiring strong, unique passwords for every user, particularly your administrators. Combine this with multi-factor authentication (MFA or 2FA) to create an additional verification layer, such as a one-time code sent to a device or generated by an app. This added security layer can significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if passwords are compromised.
3. Conduct Routine Security Audits
Security audits help law firms proactively identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. These audits should include reviewing access logs, inspecting file integrity, verifying firewall performance and confirming that only necessary permissions are granted. Tools such as Sucuri, WPScan, or third-party services can help automate and enhance this process.
4. Backup Data Regularly
Even the best security setup can be compromised. That is why automated daily or weekly backups are essential. Back up all website files, databases, and client-related data, and store them in an off-site or cloud-based location. This enables quick restoration in the event of a cyberattack, server crash, or accidental deletion. Auto-backup tools built into certain platforms make this process seamless.
5. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) acts as a protective barrier, filtering incoming traffic and blocking threats such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting. WAFs intercept and neutralize malicious activity before it reaches your site’s server. Services such as Cloudflare or AWS WAF offer dynamic, scalable protection that adapts to emerging threats.
6. Integrate a Content Delivery Network (CDN)
CDNs don’t just improve your site’s performance – they strengthen security too. By distributing web traffic across multiple servers, a CDN can absorb DDoS attacks and filter malicious traffic before it hits your main server. This dual benefit of speed and protection makes CDNs such as Cloudflare, a smart choice for law firms aiming to preserve uptime and performance while staying secure.
7. Leverage Security Plugins (for CMS-Based Sites)
For law firms using platforms like WordPress, security plugins add an essential layer of defense. Solutions such as Wordfence or Sucuri Security provide:
- Malware scanning.
- Firewall protection.
- Login attempt monitoring.
- Security patch automation.
These plugins help detect and block suspicious activity in real time and should be kept updated for maximum effectiveness.
8. Restrict Access and User Roles
Limit administrative access to only those who truly need it. Use role-based access control to prevent unnecessary changes to your site. For example, a team member who only posts blogs shouldn’t have permission to modify design or security settings. Proper access control helps reduce internal risks and inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure that could compromise your site.
9. Adopt EDR Technology
Cybersecurity expert and 2x Amazon Best Seller, Tom Kirkham recommends that, instead of relying on outdated signature-based antivirus, implement Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools that use AI to identify suspicious behavior patterns in real time. These solutions can detect and respond to threats before they cause harm. Leading EDR providers such as SentinelOne and CrowdStrike are widely trusted for their effectiveness and scalability.
10. Pair Technology with Human Oversight
Even the best security software can’t replace human judgment. EDR tools should be supported by ongoing monitoring and analysis – either through an internal IT team or a trusted cybersecurity partner– to ensure quick responses and accurate threat evaluation.
11. Train Your Team
A 2024 info security statistic revealed that 95% of breaches happen due to human error, often from phishing or poor digital hygiene. Regular cybersecurity awareness training empowers your staff to recognize and avoid common threats such as suspicious emails, insecure file sharing and social engineering attempts.
12. Conduct Firm-Specific Risk Assessments
Not all law firms face the same risks. A small estate planning practice has different vulnerabilities than a large firm handling litigation or health data. Conduct regular risk assessments tailored to your firm’s size, data sensitivity, and client profile to prioritize the right defenses and close security gaps before they are exploited.
Embedding Cybersecurity into Your Firm’s DNA
In our bitesized podcast episode,“What Lawfirms Get Wrong About Cybersecurity Risks’, our expert guest explains how cybersecurity isn’t just an IT concern – it is in fact a leadership issue. When firm leaders prioritize security, it sets the tone for the entire organization. But if leadership overlooks basic cyber hygiene, employees are likely to follow suit. Therefore, creating a security-first culture means making cybersecurity a core business priority, not just a technical afterthought. Security must drive IT decisions, influence training protocols and be embedded in daily workflows.
In essence, when the leadership models the importance of data protection, the entire firm becomes more resilient.
Enhancing Client Trust Through Visible Security Measures
In today’s digital-first world, potential clients judge your law firm not just by your credentials, but by the professionalism of your online presence. Therefore, visible security signals can help reinforce client trust and position your firm as a responsible digital steward.
Here’s how to do that effectively:
Display Trust Seals and Certificates
Visible security elements such as SSL certificates, trust badges and site seals immediately communicate that your site is secure and verified. These visual cues – such as the padlock icon in the browser bar or a recognized certificate authority logo – help visitors feel confident that their information is safe.
Transparent Privacy Policies
Trust is built on openness. Your website should include a clear, accessible privacy policy that explains:
- What client data is collected.
- How client data is stored, protected and used.
- Clients’ rights regarding their information.
Secure Communication Channels
Client communication must prioritize confidentiality. Use encrypted email platforms and secure client portals for file sharing, case updates and sensitive discussions.
By making your security efforts visible, you are not only protecting your law firm but you are actively strengthening your client relationships. In an age where data breaches dominate headlines, showing that your firm values digital safety can become a true competitive advantage.
How Conroy Creative Counsel Can Help You
If all of this sounds a bit too technical or time-consuming, you are not alone – and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. At Conroy Creative Counsel, we understand the unique needs of the legal industry and, over the years, we have partnered with numerous law firms to help take the stress out of running their website smoothly.
Our website maintenance plans and technical services are designed specifically for legal professionals who want to stay secure, fast, and competitive without worrying about the behind-the-scenes technical work. When you partner with us, our technical team will:
- Keep your site regularly monitored and updated.
- Keep it protected against emerging cyber threats.
- Keep it optimized for performance, identify issues for security and client trust.
Contact Us Today
Contact us today to learn more about our legal marketing services, including our website maintenance plans specifically designed for law firms.
Let us handle your website’s backend – so you can lead from the front.