Feb. 1, 2023 – As more and more personal information is being collected, stored, and shared online, data breaches are becoming more frequent and severe. Data breaches can have serious consequences, including financial loss, damage to reputation, and loss of client trust.

According to a report by the Identity Theft Resource Center, there were 1,862 data compromises (breaches, exposures, and leaks) in the U.S. in 2022, with nearly 300 million individuals impacted since 2020.

The cost of data breaches can be significant. Now is the time to take steps to proactively protect sensitive information and put a plan in place for responding to a data breach, including how to notify affected individuals and mitigate damage.

Lawyers have a legal and ethical obligation to protect their client's data. Failure to do so can result in breach of confidentiality, loss of client trust, and potential legal liability.

Here are five steps to protect your information from a data breach:

• Implement strong passwords and use multifactor authentication;

• Use encryption to protect unauthorized access;

• Keep software and systems updated;

• Regularly back up your data; and

• Educate employees on how to recognize and respond to potential security threats.

How State Bar Member Discounts Can Help You Protect Your Data

State Bar membership can help you with your practice – including protecting your clients’ data, by offering programs at a discount cost to members. See the list on WisBar’s Member Benefit Discounts page, which is sorted by category.

To help you secure your data, check out these member discount security programs:

Cybersecurity: BobaGuard Turnkey Cybersecurity Suite

Built with the legal professionals in mind, BobaGuard Turnkey Cybersecurity Suite offers eight services, including cybersecurity training, phishing simulation, AI-based advanced email protection, and more.

BobaGuard gives you:

• proactive security tools that work behind the scenes to strengthen your security;

• training and ongoing phishing simulations that help you identify and stop threats;

• a contingency strategy in case of a breach; and

• a streamlined onboarding process.

Visit the BobaGuard website for more information.

Cyber Insurance: HSB Total Cyber

HSB Total Cyber™ offers comprehensive coverage for six types of cyberattacks: data breach, fraud, identity theft, computer attack, system failure, and cyber liability. The options are customizable, so you pay for only what you need. In addition, it is possible to get coverage by the next business day via a quick application process.

HSB policyholders have access to resources that can help prevent or prepare for a cyberattack or data breach. Policyholders also receive one hour of free cybersecurity risk consulting, as well as one hour of free consulting from one of HSB’s partner law firms.

Questions about the new HSB comprehensive cybersecurity coverage? Contact Corrine Bultman of Bultman Financial Services, at (262) 782-9949, and visit the HSB Total Cyber website for further information.

Email Security: Identillect

Identillect Technologies ensures total security and control over your sensitive email communications, both inbound and outbound. Its annual business plan – offered at a discount to State Bar members – includes:

• simple user experience for both senders and receivers;

• complete control for senders allowing content restrictions necessary for any situation and the ability to retract messages sent in error at any time;

• ability to securely attach up to 1gb;

• helps facilitate regulatory and ethical compliance (ABA Formal Opinion 483 and 477; Wisconsin opinion EF 15-01);

• easily accessible and plug-ins compatible with Gmail, Outlook, Office 365, and an additional web portal; and

• the ability to set security policies organization-wide and maintain compliance.

Visit identillect.net to see all plans and services for Wisconsin, and to schedule a demonstration. To sign up, email sales@identillect.com or call (888) 781-4080.