Futurelawyer

Signal Encrypted Messaging - Free Speech In An Internet World.

Signal Messaging. Yes, encrypted messaging can be used by bad actors. Yes, it can be used by those who some call bad; but, others call free speech warriors, like Ed Snowden. But, it can also be used by husband and wives who don't want their private spousal communications to become known to anyone else. If certain celebrities and corporations had used it, there would be fewer scandal out there. Free speech is a two edged sword. The key word, however, is freedom. It isn't free. And, like life, it doesn't come without risk. Risk is the stuff of life. We seem to live in a world where everyone wants everything to be safe, sanitized and free of the possibility of offending, or otherwise making another uncomfortable. We forget that taking offense is a unique choice that everyone gets to make for themselves. So, I say that a non profit like Signal is the very base of a free society. Information is free; but, if I want my communications with another human to be private, I have the right to do that. As lawyers, we have another important reason for using secure messaging apps like Signal. Our clients' data and information is sacred, and we have a duty to keep it confidential. If my client and I communicate with Signal, we can ensure that privacy. Would you have it any other way?

Why I Won't Buy An Apple Product.

Apple Admits Killing iMessage For Android To Keep Its Walled Garden. I have always believed that technology should be freely customizable; especially after you pay money for it. Freedom of choice is at the core of my belief system. I understand Apple's desire to keep control over its products; but, its paranoia and desire to make more money shouldn't trump the consumer's choices. If I want to trade security for more freedom, that is my choice and my risk. Of course, in the real world, no computer system, or walled garden, is secure from hackers. And, putting up a walled garden merely emboldens the bad guys. But, in the end, Apple reduces freedom of choice, and that is a deal breaker for those of us who want to tinker with the tech we pay good money for.

Lies, Damn Lies And Photo Editing Tools.

PhotoPea Online Photo Editing Tool. Most of us take family and fun photos to collect, post on Facebook and pass around to friends and family. But, in litigation, photos can paint a picture that words can't. And, photographic evidence can be a powerful tool for lawyers trying to prove or disprove a set of facts. But, is the photo genuine? Cross examination of a photo these days has to do with more than examining the photographer, and the location and source of information. With digital tools at his disposal, anyone can create digital images that bear little relationship to a real set of facts, and the examiner must be conversant with the technology of digital alteration. Not every photograph demand this sort of examination. But, if your case turns on the accuracy of a photograph, better call in an expert. Especially with tools available online like PhotoPea. Now, leave me alone. I have to digitally alter my last selfie to show that I am 50 pounds thinner than I actually am.

 

Cloud Storage Shoot Out - Google Drive Or Microsoft One Drive?

Google Drive Versus One Drive. These days, one of the safest places for your files and data is the cloud. We all have Gigabytes worth of programs and data stored on our computers, and, while a local saved copy of our files and an image of our entire hard drive or SSD is important, we all live in the cloud these days, and it is a perfect place to store our files for easy on the go access, and a safe place for the files. While nothing is absolutely safe, data security is a mission critical aspect for the companies that provide the service. Google and Microsoft have competing storage services, and which one you choose depends on how you use your computer. This article will give you a good comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of both. For me, I use the Deion Sanders approach. I use both. I live in the Googleverse, so the automatic storage and syncing of my Google data is appealing. However, I also use Windows products, and OneDrive is a great place for Windows users. Pick your poison, or use both. Cloud storage is surprisingly inexpensive.

I Am A Real Property Lawyer, Why Should I Care About BlockChain?

What's The Big Deal About BlockChain. Simply put, a blockchain is a digital record of transactions. The name comes from its structure, in which individual records, called blocks, are linked together in single list, called a chain. Blockchains are used for recording transactions made with cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, and have many other applications. This LegalFuel article is a very good description of some of the ways blockchain technology is taking over the world of data management in financial transactions. But, storing data in impenetrable and secure streams that live forever for banking transactions is just the tip of the iceberg. When all real estate transactions are stored in a database with blockchain tech, title plants become obsolete in a short time. No more paper. No more long hours poring over title reports. When Software As A Service (SAAS, later Cloud Computing) became popular early in my career, I, and others, worried about the security of data in the cloud. But, blockchain technology makes such worries a non-starter. The reason you need to learn about blockchain is that it will be in your life and practice whether you like it or not.

Two Of The Scariest Words A Lawyer Can Hear.

Record Retention For Lawyers. Lawyers say, hear and repeat some pretty scary words. Liability, Lawsuit, Damages, and other words that strike fear into the hearts of men. But, lawyers are fearful also. And, when somebody says "records retention", I get chills up my spine. Okay, not really. But, we are, more than most professions, keepers of some very sensitive and essential data, and we are duty bound not only to retain it; but, also to keep it confidential. So, the topic of records retention can be pretty scary. It is also a pain; because, time spent on it is not compensated. I don't get paid to retain information. It is an obligation. Digital storage has made retention easier; but, keeping data in digital form means I can't touch it, or see it, or unlock a door and put my hands on it in a paper file. I must keep it secure, however, and that is pretty scary. I remember a scary time in my early career when a letter I wrote for a client became important in a high profile matter, and I had to dig around in an old storage unit to find it. It was actually examined for rust around the paper clips to determine it was genuine. That was a scary time. But, I had retained it for years, and was glad I did. Now, I scan everything, and have a digital copy of documents I wrote 25 years ago, all stored on my notebook computer. Most of them will never be important to anyone; but, I can find them with a word search on my computer. And, I have staggered backups of the files, and the drives, and other copies of copies. If I need them, I will be able to find them. This hour and a half seminar might help you learn to systematically store and save important files and data. Pretty scary; but, you have to do it, grasshopper.

 

New Spyware Pretends To Be A System Update For Your Phone.

New Spyware Pretends To Be An Update For Your Phone. Keeping your phone updated with new versions from Google is always a good idea. However, if you download APK files from other sources, you need to be aware that there is some malicious spyware going around that pretends to be a System update. When installed, the bad guys can get complete control of your phone. So, especially for lawyers who keep confidential information on their devices, it is important only to download apps from the PlayStore, since they are vetted by Google. Security is an adventure, and you need to be conscientious about it. Be careful out there.

GoodSync Is A Cheap And Simple Protection Against Disaster.

GoodSync. Everyone has files stored on their computer that are irreplaceable. For me, it is documents created for clients, which are added to each day, poems, photographs, billing information, receipts (which I scan each day), contracts, documents, and personal items, all of which used to be stored on paper in my home or office. Most notebook computers have a MicroSD slot for additional storage. If you don't, you can plug in a USB stick or drive. Goodsync is fast, easy to use, and I use it all the time. I set it up to save my "essential" files to the Micro SD, which means I have everything important to me stored and updated on a tiny plastic piece that can collect up to 128 Gigabytes of information. I just identify the essential folders, analyze what files need to be transferred to the SD, and click Sync. Presto. A few minutes later, the job is done. Peace of mind for a few dollars a year. 

Does Your Law Firm Have A Disaster Recovery Plan?

No, I am not talking about Dilbert's plan, illustrated below. Of course, the best way to deal with computer disasters is to avoid them in the first place. This means backing up your programs and data on a regular basis. It means imaging your drives. It means cloud backup of your essential files. It means redundancy in your backup plan. It means using two step authentication for your cloud software and websites used by the firm. It means locking active files in steel cabinets when you are physically out of the office. It means strong password security. It means off site storage of imaged drive data and backups. It means being proactive about training your personnel in security protocols. Need I go on? Now, make a plan, and start implementing it today. Otherwise, know that if you don't have a Recovery plan, you already have a Recovery plan. It just isn't very good. Help, Help!

Working From Home? Is Your WiFi Secure?

Securing WiFi At Home. Many of us have grown used to practicing law at home. Some of us have been doing it for a long time before COVID. But, the same privacy and security rules apply, both at home and at the office. If you are in a BigLaw firm, you rely on an IT Department and other persons to keep your data secure. But, home lawyers are required to keep secure data for their clients as well. This LegalFuel article will get you started. Be safe out there.