Futurelawyer

Spies Are Everywhere - Protect Yourself

How to Protect Yourself From Unethical or Illegal Spying. The best security software for Windows is Malwarebytes, and I have written about it before. It is the first program I install on every new computer. Less than $50 a year, and worth ten times that. But, it is also available for Android, and is a great way to stop spyware in its tracks. Since you have your phone with you everywhere, and your life and its data and your clients' data resides on it, or is accessible in the cloud, it is essential that you do everything possible to protect it. The Android version is only $12.99 a year. Do it now.

Will Backups Protect You From Ransomware?

Will your backups protect you against ransomware? | CSO Online. Hackers who encrypt your files, and demand ransom to get the decryption key, are on the rise. In effect, the hackers are kidnapping your data and programs. Malwarebytes, and other software solutions, are the first line of defense. An educated user base that doesn't engage in risky computer behavior is the second. But, the best defense against ransomware is a recent clean image of the drive which can restore the computer with minimal loss of data. This is more complicated than it seems, as some organizations have discovered, too late, that their backup plan isn't working. The best thing you can do is to have a good backup plan, and stick to it. Then, test it. Be careful out there.

#WhyIAmASolo - It's Not About The Image, Stupid!

Ugh! I was hit by Ransomware... but recovered. A 6 minute must read for everyone. | LinkedIn. Ransomware can infect anyone, and does. In this case, the victim was a company for whom the writer provided tech services. As the author states, egg on your face is the least of your worries. Do you have backups and drive images, and a regular system for restoring files and data? One of the good things about being a solo is that I only have one computer to worry about, and I am the one who uses it every day. Do you BigLaw lawyers know what all of your people are doing on their computers? Get ready now, before you have eggs for breakfast.

Backup & Recovery - Keep It Simple, Stupid

Backup & Recovery | LegalFuel. Perhaps the best thing you can do for computer security in your practice is to do regular, comprehensive backups of your essential files. I do backups of my essential files to various media, and at various times. This is in addition to a complete image of my hard drive in case of catastrophic failure. When available, it is always a good idea to use software built in data backup, such as financial software that provides a method to backup data. There is no wrong way to do this. Just do it.

Top 8 Internet Scams And How To Avoid Them

Top 8 Internet Fraud and Scams of All Time. You already know that there are people in the world who want to separate you from your money, or steal your data. Security awareness is your best defense against these people. Understanding that your mother was right, and there is no free lunch, is another. Most of these prey upon people's naivete, and their greed. So, be alert. Be aware. Above all, know how they are going to come at you, and you will be able to defend yourself.

Lawyer - Protect Yourself - Kill The Bugs!

Stop That Malware | LegalFuel. Malware, and Phishing, and Viruses, and Ransomware, oh my! You have sensitive attorney client information on your computer; and, you have no idea how to protect your data. You have an ethical responsibility to learn how to protect your data. In addition to two factor authentication, which is mandatory, you should install a security software solution. I use Malwarebytes; but, the built in Windows Defender is good, and there are others. Now, be careful out there.

Fingerprint Sensors - Just Don't

Some banks start blocking Samsung Galaxy S10/Note 10 from using their apps. If you needed another reason not to use fingerprint security on your phone, it appears that cheap screen protectors can cause the phone to open with any finger. While the lack of a testimonial privilege for fingerprints can allow any law enforcement or other authority the ability to force you to unlock your phone, a security code remains the best way to protect your data. Fingerprint access? Just don't.

Estate Planning In The Age Of Social Media

How to Tell Google What To Do With Your Data When You Die. Do you know where your data is? Do you know who has access to it? I know. When you were with her, you believed that she was the one. You were going to grow old together. You trusted her with everything, including your email, social media and other stuff. Sure, you did it because she didn't trust you, and she wanted to make sure you weren't texting the honey down the hall; but, , hey..love. By the time you realized that she was the girlfriend from Hell, it was too late. You are now with "the one", and you want to make sure your data is safe when you die. It takes some time; but, this LifeHacker article will get you started. Remember, Memento Mori, and data lives forever.

Keep Your Passwords Simple, Stupid.

Making Passwords Simple | LegalFuel. Let's face it. The conventional wisdom (talk about a contradiction in terms) says that passwords must contain letters, numbers, Capitals, special characters and other complexities to be secure. Nothing could be further from the truth. Modern password cracking software can cycle through billions of letter, number, character combinations, and get to your data. The best password is one that is paired with a second authentication factor; such as, a text message you your smartphone, which is unique to you, and probably in your personal possession. The next best password is one that pairs simple words together, in an easy to remember sequence. For this Saturday's security project, go to every site or program that uses a password, and change it. Do it now. Do it today. Call me in the morning.

Windows In The Cloud - What Could Go Wrong?

With Windows Virtual Desktop, the bad old days are coming back | Computerworld. Cloud computing is the future of law office apps and management. Especially in BigLaw, a move back to centralized control of all computer functions makes large organizations' control of users much easier. However, the push by Microsoft to get away from the Desktop user, and get everyone running its OS in the cloud with Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) has risks, as this author scarily points out. What happens when everyone's computer runs on a cloud, and the government (or other entity) shuts off access to a particular person, group or country? For all the law office cloud management apps, I have a question. How will you protect your users from a WVD world? I have always recommended local desktop control of law firm sensitive data, even if you use the cloud. It is fine to backup your computer to the cloud; but, practice law locally, not globally. Watch your back.