Top 5 Things Lawyers Need to Know About Email Security

Humanity (and humanity's spambots) send out over 196 billion emails ever day. Your share is probably a few dozen -- maybe 100 or so if you're unlucky. Email has fast become one of the primary ways we communicate, whether it's about mundane lunch plans or sensitive legal topics.

But for all its ubiquity, email sometimes falls short on security, so short that some professional organizations tell their members to stick to the post when dealing with sensitive or confidential information. Here's what lawyers need to know about email security, from the FindLaw archives.

1. Is Your Email Secure Enough for Client Communications?

Is there a conflict between email and attorneys' responsibility to take reasonable efforts to prevent disclosure of client communications? Potentially. With email tracking software, hackers, and unsecured email systems, there are plenty of ways email can compromise confidentiality -- but there are also ways to protect yourself. Here's how.

2. 5 Signs That the Mystery Email in Your Inbox Is a Virus

Even the most email-savvy users can sometimes be fooled by emails posing as normal messages, but carrying viruses inside. One wrong click and your computer could come crashing down. Here's how to spot suspicious email before you open it.

3. How Private Are Personal Emails Sent Via Employer Computers?

Remember, it's not just attorney-client confidentiality you need to worry about; you should also be aware of how private your own personal emails are. And if you're sending personal emails from your work computer, your emails might not be entitled to much privacy.

4. Stop Using Email, Attorneys in Britain Are Told

After a rash of email scams targeting British solicitors and their clients, particularly around land conveyances, Britain's Conveyancing Association told legal professionals in England and Wales to forgo email. When it comes to sensitive information, snail mail is "as safe as you can get."

5. Corporate Lawyers Are the Easiest Lawyers to Phish

Phishing is a form of email fraud where messages appear to be legitimate in order to get you to reveal sensitive information. For example, an email that appears to be from your bank might lead you to a fake website in order to steal your login information. And when it comes to phishing, attorney's busy schedules and desire to respond right away (among other characteristics) can make them easy targets.

Related Resources:

• Big Data Breaches Found at Major Email Services (Reuters)
• Can You Survive a Day Without Email? (FindLaw's Technologist)
• Should Lawyers Use the Email Tracking Tool Sidekick? (FindLaw's Technologist)
• What Can Big Data Bring to a Law Practice? (FindLaw's Technologist)