Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) - Support Services

The review found that three-quarters of the firms predominantly relied on help from commercial IT specialists. While this can provide valuable expertise, firms should be cautious not to become entirely dependent on third-party providers. Two firms, in particular, received poor advice from third-party providers, leaving them vulnerable to fraudsters.

In terms of specialist support, it was discovered that 12 firms had specific cybercrime insurance, seven firms were part of specialist cybersecurity networks/forums, and five firms had Cyber Essential Plus certification, with an additional 16 firms working towards certification. Cyber Essential Plus is a Government-supported program designed to help businesses safeguard themselves against cybercrime.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority's assessment revealed that firms with Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation were more likely to have robust policies and procedures in place, and had taken effective measures to protect themselves from future cybersecurity incidents.

In conclusion, while it is advisable for firms to seek support from IT specialists, they should not rely entirely on third-party providers. Additionally, firms should consider Cyber Essential Plus certification, which can help them establish effective policies and procedures to minimize their risk of cybercrime.

Thank you for reading and hope you found this edition informative.

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