The Law Society recently published a practice note on the use of cloud computing in law firms The guide highlights the risks associated with using cloud storage as an alternative to traditional IT provisions that law firms must be aware of before choosing to adopt cloud services.
The guide explains that the primary risk for law firms using cloud storage is data protection and information security. The main reason for this is that the reliance on a third party cloud provider may increase the risk to sensitive information. The guide outlines the importance of selecting a cloud provider that is correctly accredited so that the firm complies with the Data Protection Act.
It’s important for firms to choose cloud providers whose offerings are specifically designed for law firms. As well as this, firms should ensure that cloud providers are correctly accredited to meet the standards of security needed, specifically ISO27001 certified, to make sure all of the controls and processes are in place to protect data. We have published our own set of guidelines of key questions to ask a prospective cloud provider, which provides recommendations to look out for beyond accreditation.
The Law Society recommends that firms ensure their prospective cloud service is subjected to full risk and compliance analysis. In spite of the need to be cautious when selecting cloud providers, when law firms do move to cloud computing with a provider that is correctly accredited, it can even improve the data security within a firm. This is explained in more detail by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in their whitepaper which outlined the practical applications of cloud computing within law firms.
Once firms have taken care of the risks associated with cloud computing, they can look to the benefits of cloud. These include lower cost provisions, streamlined services and ease of maintenance, which we outlined in more detail in this blog post. While the risk for law firms is often higher than the risk for many other industries, there are cloud computing providers that fully meet the needs of law firms and help to improve efficiency, reduce costs, strengthen client relationships and capitalise on their competitive advantages.
