In an era where everything is going digital, businesses are trying to step into the virtual arena. It is interesting, promising, and exciting, with new opportunities. From a vast audience base to extensive freedom of the economy, digital marketing has created a pathway to success for all modern marketers.
Not only businesses but also individuals who are using digital tools are convinced enough and feel comfortable at this stage. Despite the ease of the digital world, people are uneasy. Why? The increasing threat to online privacy and the growing importance of cybersecurity are major concerns.
It is not like there are no solutions to it. People are using VPNs to protect their data and systems. But is that enough? Unfortunately, no!
Whether you download a VPN or engage in protected internet activity, nothing is ultimate. Yes, a VPN is for keeping your privacy intact, but there are risk factors as well. With the rise of cybercrime in the legal industry, no one is safe, and there is always an updated threat for legal businesses.
Therefore, if you are not using VPNs for internet browsing and other digital work, it may end up with confidential client information leaks.
However, if you are using a VPN without understanding its characteristics, that can be riskier. Therefore, for legal businesses to implement robust cybersecurity, they must act smart to protect themselves with advanced VPN security tricks.
Why is VPN Security needed in Legal Businesses?
Law firm data breaches have become common in recent years. Which leads to the security concern of sensitive firm and client data. Recently, we have observed that law firm data encryption tools, cyber security insurance for law firms, and VPN like Surfshark are becoming part of firms’ data protection toolkit.
VPN helps mask IP addresses and encrypts data transmission seamlessly to safeguard legal businesses from unauthorized access and potential legal repercussions for data breaches.
Apart from that, a safe VPN enables a safe remote working environment with complete protection and anonymity. Therefore, now you can keep your client’s privacy while preventing unorthodox tracking.
Legal Businesses Risks and Solutions with VPNs
If you are running a legal firm, you need to understand that not all VPNs are created equal, and thus, each has its own unique traits that you should be aware of.
Here are the five biggest VPN security risks and ways to overcome them.
1. Data Logging Practices
Risk
Many VPN providers claim to have a strict no-logs policy. You have heard that, right?
Well, have you double-checked with your provider?
Not all VPNs are so safe and trustworthy. Some may still log connection data! Now, this can be a threatening factor, as third-party bypass can occur.
Solution
Before choosing a VPN, research its logging policies thoroughly. Look for independent audits and reviews that validate their claims. Opt for providers that are transparent about their operations and have a clear privacy policy.
2. Insecure Protocols
Risk
Hacking your legal system can be the most threatening thing that can ever happen to you virtually. However, this security breach is very common these days. While you are not the only one concerned with this issue, a VPN can be your common solution.
However, VPNs use various protocols to encrypt data. Among all, some are old and thus less secure. As a result, your legal business data can be vulnerable to the web world, and that could end up causing your system to be hacked.
Solution
Always choose VPN services that utilize strong, secure protocols such as Surfshark, OpenVPN, IKEv2, or WireGuard. These protocols provide enhanced security through robust encryption methods. Avoid using outdated protocols like PPTP, which are no longer secure.
3. DNS Leaks
Risk
While on the web, you visit multiple websites. While visiting multiple websites, you get more than one threat. How? Well, with every visit, your system data is getting compromised, and that is why you use a VPN. However, using a VPN cannot be the solution, and often, DNS leaks can create a greater risk to users.
Based on your DNS request, your data may be leaked while visiting websites. This, in turn, can expose your privacy even when connected to a VPN. What is the solution?
Solution
Use a VPN with built-in DNS leak protection. Additionally, you can test for DNS leaks using various online tools. Choose a VPN provider that automatically routes all DNS requests through its own secure servers.
4. Malicious VPN Providers
Risk
You never know what you are going for when you have ample solutions available in the market, you will go for anything. Practicality, no one is willing to waste their time scouting for the best VPN on the market.
As a result, you get anything, and that leads to a risk factor: malware distribution.
However, if you are running a legal firm where everything is formal and requires data security, you have to be a bit more vigilant about your choices.
Well, you might be shocked, but your VPN can also be the provider of your secret data to third parties. Tracking user activities and selling that data to advertisers is also common these days. So, recheck with your VPN provider today!
Solution
To avoid malicious providers, stick to well-known, reputable VPN services with positive reviews and a solid track record. It’s advisable to avoid free VPNs, as they often monetize through questionable means.
5. Weak Password Management
Risk
Password management is a good practice that most law firms lack or avoid. However, this may lead to serious security issues in the future. Hackers are always behind you, and any day, they can manipulate your online data.
However, VPN accounts can be vulnerable, too, if you do not practice good password management.
Solution
Always utilize strong, unique passwords for your company’s VPN accounts. You can go for a password manager that is able to create and manage a strong and complex password for complete security. Two-step authentication matters, and it works! Therefore, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security to your VPN account.
