CYBER AWARENESS

There are an increasing number of scams and fraudsters using the names of law firms and their staff to obtain money from credulous recipients of email communications.

The most common element is the redirecting of monies using emails which appear to come from our firm.

Please check the validity of any emails you receive requesting money on account and/or details of a particular transaction by speaking to either the fee earner dealing with your matter directly or a Partner of our firm using a verified mode of communication. Please also check the bank details you have for us by way of a telephone call to our office before remitting any funds to our client account.

If you believe you have received any unexpected requests purporting to be from us in relation to funds, please contact us as a matter of urgency.

Action Fraud Reports can be lodged with The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau by calling 0300 123 2040 or via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk

PROTECTING YOUR LEGAL MATTERS AGAINST CYBER THREATS

In today’s digital world, cyber threats are an ever-present risk for individuals and businesses alike. At Collins Benson Goldhill LLP, we take your cybersecurity seriously and are committed to safeguarding your sensitive information throughout the legal process.

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting law firms due to the high-value and confidential nature of the information we handle. From phishing scams to sophisticated ransomware attacks, these threats are designed to compromise your data and disrupt services. Awareness and vigilance are critical steps in reducing exposure to these threats.

We have implemented rigorous cybersecurity measures to protect against unauthorised access, data breaches, and other online risks. However, your involvement is also essential.

Here are a few steps you can take to help protect yourself:

• Verify Communications: Before acting on any legal or financial instructions, especially involving the transfer of funds, verify the authenticity of requests by calling your solicitor directly.
• Beware of Phishing Emails: Look out for emails that request sensitive information or link to suspicious websites. Cybercriminals often disguise emails to look legitimate.
• Use Strong Passwords: Choose secure, unique passwords and update them regularly to reduce the risk of unauthorised access to your accounts.

If you receive any communication from us that seems suspicious, please contact us immediately. Together, we can work to minimise the risks and ensure that your legal matters remain secure.

For more information on our cybersecurity practices and how we protect your data, please reach out to our Chief Executive and Data Protection Coordinator, Anthony Bailey.