Law Student Analysis of Key News Stories: Labour says goodbye to NHS England
April 19, 2025
Written by Maryam Ali
Introduction
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) recently fined UK law firm DPP Law Ltd £60,000 following a cyber-attack in June 2022 that led to sensitive client data being leaked on the dark web. The ICO found that the Merseyside-based firm had failed to put appropriate security measures in place. Andy Curry, Director of Enforcement and Investigations, highlighted serious shortcomings in DPP’s data protection practices and criticised the firm’s delay in reporting the breach 43 days after it became aware because it failed to recognise that the loss of access to personal data constituted a reportable incident. Curry commented: “Data protection is a legal obligation,” noting that it was particularly concerning for a law firm to breach data laws so significantly.
The Growing Threat
Cybercrime targeting law firms is on the rise. The Law Society Gazette reported last August that successful cyberattacks against law firms had increased by 77% from 538 to 954 in just twelve months—affecting around 10% of all law firms in England and Wales. This surge reflects the sector’s growing vulnerability, as firms increasingly rely on digital systems and handle large volumes of sensitive, commercially valuable information. In turn, this has made them particularly attractive to cybercriminals looking to exploit weak points in security systems for financial or strategic gain.
These criminals are not just seeking money. Law firms are treasure troves of confidential, commercially sensitive, and personal information., Vvaluable data that can be leveraged for insider trading, influencing litigation outcomes, or gaining advantages in negotiations. The opportunity to disrupt proceedings or damage reputations makes law firms an especially high-value target.
Consequences of Cyber Attacks on Law Firms
Disruption to legal operations can be costly not just in lost billable hours, but also in diminished client trust and reputational harm. Firms engaged in high-value, time-sensitive transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions or conveyancing, are particularly exposed. Cybercriminals frequently exploit these pressures using phishing, ransomware, and business email compromise to strike when firms are at their most vulnerable.
Smaller practices and chambers are often at even greater risk. Many rely on third-party IT providers but may not have the expertise to assess whether their cybersecurity measures are sufficient. Factors, like such as outdated systems, untrained staff, or poorly managed user access, can further open the door to attackers. aAnd, in a profession where reputation is everything, even a minor breach can be catastrophic.
Cybercriminals continue to adapt their methods to stay ahead of evolving defences. As more firms adopt AI tools, multi-factor authentication, and advanced endpoint protections, attackers are responding with increasingly sophisticated techniques. Spear phishing and “whaling” (a high-level impersonation tactic targeting senior executives) have gained traction since 2024, reflecting a shift toward more tailored, deceptive, and damaging attacks.
A high-profile example of this growing threat came in 2023, when Allen & Overy, one of the world’s leading law firms, was targeted by the notorious LockBit ransomware group. LockBit had previously attacked high-profile corporations such as Royal Mail, the NHS, and Boeing, the airspace company. The attackers claimed to have stolen sensitive client data and threatened to leak it unless a ransom was paid. While the firm responded swiftly, working with cybersecurity experts to contain the breach and maintain transparency, the case demonstrated that even well-resourced firms are not immune. It also underscored the reputational and regulatory consequences of being unprepared like DPP Law whose failure was a result of a lack of multi-factor authentication on a rarely used account that allowed the hackers to easily gain access to its network which occurred through a brute force attempt. Despite evidence of over 400 brute force attempts to access its network dating back to February 2022, the firm initially concluded that no data had been exfiltrated. This assessment was flawed, as its firewall logs did not track outgoing data, therefore DPP was unable to verify whether client information had been exfiltrated or not although the ICO confirmed sensitive client data had been leaked onto the dark web.
Prevention: Minimising the Risk of Cyber Attacks
While no system is completely immune to cyber threats, law firms can significantly reduce their vulnerability through a proactive and layered security approach. The following measures are essential:
- Conduct Regular Security Audits
Periodic assessments of IT infrastructure, policies, and procedures ensure that security controls remain current and aligned with evolving threats and best practices. - Employee Training and Awareness
Human error is one of the leading causes of breaches. Ongoing staff training helps employees recognise phishing attempts, use secure passwords, and handle client data responsibly. - Invest in Advanced Cybersecurity Tools
Implementing technologies such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), data encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems can help prevent unauthorised access and detect anomalies early. - Enforce Strict Access Controls
Restricting access to sensitive data on a need-to-know basis reduces the risk of insider threats and limits the potential damage of compromised credentials. - Implement Robust Backup Strategies
Regularly backing up critical data and storing it separately from core systems ensures that firms can recover quickly from ransomware or system failures. - Test Backup Systems
It’s not enough to have backups – firms must routinely test them to ensure data can be successfully restored in the event of a breach or loss. - Adopt Cybersecurity Best Practices
Maintaining system integrity through timely patch management, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), and monitoring for vulnerabilities are essential steps to protect against known exploits.
As the number of high-profile cyber attacks continues to rise, law firms must become more resilient and take cybersecurity more seriously. Cybercriminals have increasingly targeted file-sharing platforms, such as MOVEit and CrushFTP, exploiting known vulnerabilities to gain unauthorised access to sensitive data. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach in the UK reached £3.58 million in 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year, demonstrating the serious financial impact these incidents can have.
Third-Party Vendors: A Hidden Cybersecurity Risk
Many law firms rely on third-party vendors for essential services including legal research, document review, marketing, and IT support. While outsourcing cybersecurity to specialist providers can offer advantages, it also introduces new risks, especially when firms become overly reliant on these external partners. For example, DPP Law’s cyber incident highlights how such reliance can backfire if third-party systems are compromised or if a firm lacks internal oversight of its vendors’ security measures.
Furthermore, disruptions in a vendor’s business continuity could severely impact a law firm’s operations, especially if the vendor plays a critical role in day-to-day functioning. Beyond operational concerns, there are legal, regulatory, and ethical risks. Vendors may fail to meet compliance standards or inadvertently expose firms to data breaches and subsequent fines. In some cases, disagreements over data access and ownership can arise, especially if vendors claim rights over the information they process, leading to potential disputes.
To mitigate these risks, law firms must take a proactive approach to third-party risk management. This includes conducting thorough due diligence when selecting vendors, regularly auditing their security practices, and ensuring they meet the same compliance standards expected within the firm. Contracts should clearly define responsibilities around data protection, breach notification, and ownership of information. By strengthening oversight and accountability, firms can reduce their exposure to operational, reputational, and legal risks and build a more resilient cybersecurity posture.
Conclusion
As cyber threats become more sophisticated and widespread, law firms must move beyond reactive responses and adopt a security-first mindset. The DPP Law breach serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of inadequate cybersecurity measures and delayed breach reporting. Protecting sensitive client data requires a combination of robust internal systems, informed staff, secure vendor partnerships, and continuous vigilance. By investing in prevention and preparedness, firms not only safeguard their operations and reputation but also uphold their professional and ethical obligations in an increasingly digital landscape.
Links
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/report/cyber-threat-report-uk-legal-sector
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-68344987
https://www.itpro.com/business/hacked-law-firm-didnt-think-it-was-a-data-breach-the-ico-disagreed
https://net-defence.com/cyber-threat-landscape-for-the-legal-sector-in-2025/
https://www.venminder.com/blog/why-law-firms-need-third-party-risk-management
