While the legal sector rightly invests in robust defences against external attacks, from firewalls to endpoint detection, it may be overlooking a more insidious risk. According to the Information Commissioner’s Office, nearly half of data breaches in the legal industry originate from inside the law firms affected. This represents a serious blind spot that firms can no longer afford to ignore.
Insider threats aren’t new, but they are evolving in both complexity and impact. These threats often emerge quietly within trusted environments, where employees – whether intentionally or inadvertently – expose sensitive information. In a profession built on discretion and confidentiality, the consequences can be ruinous.
That’s in spite of the fact that most insider breaches occur via simple human error: an email sent to the wrong person; a document uploaded to the wrong case file; a misconfigured access setting. These slip-ups may not be malicious, but they can seriously compromise a firm’s security posture and client trust.
That said, not all insider threats are accidental. Disgruntled staff, or those under financial or personal strain, may deliberately exploit their access to systems or data. In an industry where the strength of client relationships hinges on trust, the reputational damage from intentional breaches can be even more devastating than the financial fallout.
Law firm breaches out of control
Tackling insider threats is not solely a technical challenge. While security software and access controls are essential, the most effective line of defence starts with people.
Regular training and awareness programmes can help employees understand the risks, the importance of their role in maintaining security, and the real-world implications of complacency. Crucially, firms must foster a culture where employees feel safe reporting mistakes or unusual activity. A blame-heavy environment only discourages openness, while a supportive culture enhances early detection and promotes accountability.
Clear, consistently enforced security policies are also key. Access to client data should be based on the principle of least privilege, ensuring staff only have access to the information they genuinely need. Periodic reviews of access rights and system usage help avoid privilege creep, a common yet often overlooked vulnerability in larger organisations.
Proactive risk management
Technology should be used to enhance human vigilance, not as a substitute for good practice. Behavioural analytics, monitoring tools and routine audits can help detect unusual or high-risk activity before it becomes a serious incident. When positioned as safeguards rather than surveillance tools, these measures can enhance trust and promote a shared responsibility for security.
Embedding insider threat assessments into day-to-day operations ensures that risk management becomes an ongoing priority, not just a compliance checkbox. As threats evolve, so too must the organisation’s internal defences.
Looking inward to build resilience
Client trust is the foundation of every legal practice. In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, protecting that trust requires a shift in mindset. Internal risks should be treated with the same urgency as external threats.
Technology can bolster defences, but no system can fully eliminate human vulnerability. A well-informed, security-aware culture, backed by clear policies and proactive oversight, offers the best defence against insider threats. As the legal sector continues to embrace digital transformation, the issue isn’t just how firms defend themselves from outside attackers, but how wisely they manage the people already inside.
Matt Hull is the head of threat intelligence at NCC Group
Read more: Here are the top five legal risks facing UK data centres – and how to mitigate them
