Authored by Sara Weathers
Law firms are increasingly in the crosshairs of cybercriminals, and phishing scams remain one of the most effective and damaging tactics. With access to sensitive client data, large financial transactions, and confidential communications, law firms are prime targets. A single deceptive email can lead to data breaches, wire fraud, or compromised case information.
How to Spot a Phishing Attempt
Even sophisticated professionals can fall for phishing if they’re not alert. Watch for:
- Emails with urgent or threatening language, especially regarding account access or payment requests
- Misspelled domain names that mimic trusted contacts (e.g., johndoe@llawfirm.com)
- Unusual requests for sensitive information or sudden changes in payment instructions
- Links or attachments from unknown senders or contacts acting “out of character”
Prevention Tips for Law Firms
- Train your staff regularly to recognize phishing tactics and verify unexpected requests
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all systems
- Use email filtering tools and domain verification to reduce spoofing risks
- Verify payment instructions via phone or secure channels before sending funds
The Role of Cyber Liability Insurance
Even with the best defenses, phishing attacks can succeed. That’s where cyber liability insurance comes in. It can cover:
- Forensic investigations and data recovery
- Legal costs and regulatory fines
- Client notification and credit monitoring
- Financial losses due to fraud or business interruption
Phishing scams are evolving, but so are your options to defend against them. Combine smart prevention with strong cyber insurance to protect your law firm from financial and reputational harm.
