Matthew Stringer, founder and CEO of Stridon
By Matthew Stringer, Founder & CEO at Stridon [1], Legal Futures Associate
In today’s digital-first legal landscape, law firms are more connected, collaborative and data-driven than ever before. But with that transformation comes a growing risk and cybercriminals are increasingly targeting legal practices with SME firms often the most vulnerable.
This is due to the sensitive nature of the data they hold and the perception that many firms lack robust defences. SME firms, in particular, face budget constraints and limited in-house expertise, making them attractive targets for sophisticated cybercriminals who run their operations like professional businesses.
So why do attackers love law firms? The answer lies in the unique combination of high-value data, tight deadlines and limited cybersecurity maturity.
Legal data is a goldmine
Law firms hold some of the most sensitive information in business: contracts, financial records, personal data and confidential communications. For cybercriminals, this isn’t just valuable, it’s leverage. A breach doesn’t just expose data; it threatens client trust, regulatory compliance and reputational integrity.
Law firms sit on a huge pool of highly confidential information that is very valuable to those who want to exploit it for unethical purposes. This makes legal practices one of the top three most targeted sectors, alongside healthcare and financial services.
SME firms are often under-protected
SME law firms often lack the specialist skills and budgets needed to implement and maintain effective cybersecurity measures. Without dedicated IT teams or strategic investment, these firms are more vulnerable to attacks that exploit gaps in infrastructure, outdated systems and unmonitored endpoints.
While larger firms often have dedicated security teams and advanced systems in place, smaller law firms typically rely on leaner IT setups with fewer resources.
Modern attackers are no longer lone hackers. They’re part of multi-billion-pound criminal enterprises using advanced tools, automation and even generative AI to scale attacks.
This creates a perfect storm: valuable data + limited defences = high risk.
The threats are evolving
Modern cyber threats are becoming more and more advanced. Attackers now use AI to craft realistic phishing emails, scan for weakness and deploy malware that can adapt to avoid detection. People are often the easiest target, so strong security awareness training and reliable endpoint protection are more important than ever.
Cybercriminals are no longer relying on brute-force attacks. They’re using:
Phishing and impersonation to gain access to email systems and financial workflows
Ransomware to lock down case files and demand payment under pressure
Insider threats, both malicious and accidental, to exploit weak access controls
AI-powered attacks that mimic legitimate communications or automate reconnaissance
AI tools add new risk layers
As law firms begin adopting generative AI tools, new risks emerge:
- Staff may unknowingly input sensitive client data into AI prompts
- Without proper governance, AI-generated content can be inaccurate or non-compliant
- Firms using public AI platforms risk data leakage and regulatory breaches
Stridon’s recent insights highlight how Microsoft 365 Copilot, when deployed securely within a Microsoft 365 E5 environment, can deliver productivity gains without compromising security.
Client trust is on the line
In legal services, trust is everything. A single breach can jeopardise client relationships, trigger SRA investigations and lead to GDPR fines. Worse still, it can damage your firm’s reputation in ways that are difficult to recover from.
Clients are increasingly asking: “How are you protecting my data?” If your answer isn’t clear, confident, and backed by robust systems, they may look elsewhere.
What SME law firms can do
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complex or disruptive. With the right strategy, firms can protect their data, maintain compliance and continue working efficiently.
Here’s where to start:
- Assess your current security posture — identify gaps and risks
- Adopt secure platforms like Microsoft 365 E5 — consolidate tools and gain visibility
- Deploy AI tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot responsibly — within a governed, secure environment
- Train your team — phishing awareness, data handling, and AI usage policies
- Partner with experts — Stridon helps law firms build scalable, secure IT strategies
Next steps
If you’re unsure where your firm stands, click here to download our free Cyber Threat Briefing for Law Firms – a concise overview of the key threats and how to tackle them.
Or book a meeting with Stridon’s cybersecurity team to explore how your firm can stay protected — without slowing down. Just email us with your availability at insights@stridon.co.uk [2].
You can also book on one of our free cyber security webinars which you can find out more about here – https://insights.stridon.co.uk/cyber-webinar-series [3]