Remote work isn’t new—but the cybersecurity mistakes law firms are still making in 2025? They’re putting your practice at risk.

In Episode 80 of Stimulus Tech Talk, I sat down with Nathan Whittacre (CEO of Stimulus Technologies) to unpack one of the most overlooked cybersecurity risks for attorneys: how remote work setups are exposing law firms to breaches, data theft, and even six-figure losses.

If you're a managing partner, legal administrator, or attorney working from home or on the go, this is a wake-up call you can’t afford to miss.

The Hidden Cybersecurity Threats Facing Remote Law Firms

Hackers Are Already Inside (You Just Don’t Know It Yet)

Nathan revealed a staggering fact: the average time between a cybersecurity breach and detection is over 6 months.

That means if your remote work security setup isn’t airtight, someone could already be inside, reading emails, watching your workflow, and waiting to strike. These attackers often study your firm silently before launching devastating attacks like:

  • Email impersonation
  • Wire fraud
  • Sensitive data theft

3 Remote Work Security Mistakes Law Firms Are Still Making

1. Failing to Encrypt Data at Rest and in Transit

Most lawyers believe that if their data is in the cloud, it’s safe. But here’s the catch:

  • Files saved to your laptop? That’s data at rest—and it must be encrypted.
  • Using hotel or coffee shop Wi-Fi? Your data in transit is vulnerable.

Solution: Use encrypted devices and connect only via mobile hotspots or secure VPN alternatives.

2. Still Relying on Traditional VPNs

Old VPNs are no match for modern cyber threats. Think of them like locking the front door but leaving a side window open.

  • Hackers exploit VPNs through outdated routers and unpatched systems.
  • Zero trust security and virtual desktop environments are now essential for IT compliance in law firms.

Solution: Ask your IT provider about implementing zero trust architecture, it verifies every access point, every time.

3. Overlooking Basic Email Security (And Paying the Price)

Nathan shared a real story: a law firm lost over $100,000 due to an email hack. One paralegal clicked the wrong link—months later, a payout was fraudulently redirected.

Solution: Use multi-factor authentication (MFA), train staff, and implement email monitoring tools to prevent identity spoofing.

The Real Cost of Poor Cybersecurity for Law Firms

This isn’t just an IT issue, it’s a business liability. Ignoring these risks could mean:

  • Violating attorney-client privilege
  • Missing court deadlines
  • Losing client trust
  • Violating ABA cybersecurity standards

You didn’t become a lawyer to manage firewalls, but you are responsible for protecting your clients' sensitive data.

Remote Work Cybersecurity Checklist for Law Firms

Want to secure your firm starting today? Follow this action plan:

  • Encrypt all devices – Only use secured, work-only machines
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi – Use mobile hotspots instead
  • Ditch legacy VPNs – Shift to zero trust systems
  • Enable MFA – For email, file access, and billing portals
  • Implement 24/7 monitoring – Catch threats before they strike

Watch the Full Episode: Tech Solutions That Actually Work

This article only scratches the surface. In the full Stimulus Tech Talk episode, Nathan dives into:

  • The tools law firms should use for secure remote access
  • How zero trust networks work in real life
  • Real-world data breach case studies
  • How Stimulus Technologies protects law firms like yours—around the clock

👉 Watch Episode 80 here: https://youtu.be/CEkt6Z2gg1c

Need Help Securing Your Firm’s Remote Setup?

Stimulus Technologies specializes in IT security for law firms, helping you go from vulnerable to virtually bulletproof.

Book a free discovery call with our team today. We’ll:

  • Audit your current cybersecurity setup
  • Identify critical gaps
  • Build a scalable, stress-free IT security plan

Your clients trust you with their most sensitive matters.
Make sure your tech earns that trust.