As IT and cybersecurity experts, we have seen rapid evolution in the state of cybersecurity over the past few years. As more people participate in activities, more organizations conduct business, and more data is captured online, the internet has become an unprecedented entry point for scammers and criminals.

The number of cyber attacks is higher than ever before, and it continues to grow and shift as new technologies are deployed to the public. Cybersecurity is a broad topic, and cybersecurity best practices are different for large corporations, small businesses and individuals.

At 2b1 Inc., we work hard to manage and protect our clients’ data, IT infrastructure, and operations, and we have gotten to know the top cybersecurity priorities for law firms and legal professionals in 2024. So we’re sharing a comprehensive State of Cybersecurity report to share emerging trends and best practices for you to have a protected, secure practice this year.

Rising cyberattacks and cybercrime
We’ve seen several figures breaking down the prevalence of cyberattacks in 2023 and predictions for 2024. The consensus is the same: the number of cyberattacks is rising.

According to reports, 94% of businesses experienced a cyberattack in the last year. As businesses move their operations online, hackers are gaining potential entry points to attack.

Cybercriminals, hackers and AI – oh my
Hackers and cybercriminals are using increasingly advanced technologies and techniques to break into systems. The prevalence of AI technology has empowered all people to be more technologically competent, and unfortunately, AI has proved to be a valuable tool for hackers and cyberattackers.

Criminals are now able to launch attacks that are both broader and deeper than ever before, thanks to the automatization of AI tools. Advanced technologies allow criminals to more easily impersonate legitimate businesses and attack more targets at once. It is more difficult than ever before to recognize a spoofed website or phishing email.

As of 2023, over 72 percent of businesses worldwide were affected by ransomware attacks. This number of cyberattacks is the highest in the past five years.

Where do these attacks begin? 91% of all cyber attacks start with a phishing email to an unexpected victim.

More data, more problems
The increasing amount of data captured online raises increasingly serious privacy and operational risks. More data means more opportunity and motive for cybercriminals.

It isn’t just the big players getting hit by cyberattacks or impacted by regulation. Hackers know that even small businesses are processing customers’ data online. That means that there are more entry points than ever for cybercriminals to break into online systems and steal sensitive data. We hear about it every day, and that’s why we built out a suite of tools to protect your data from every angle.

Jumping through compliance hoops
Complex government regulations and contractual requirements add to the challenges​ that businesses of all sizes are facing​. Due to the privacy regulations of the legal profession, staying in compliance with cybersecurity best practices is vital in 2024. If you are an international business, it is even more complex to stay up-to-date with compliance regulations.

You might not have a cybersecurity department to handle the onslaught of phishing emails, spam calls, and AI tools probing into your servers’ defenses, but you can still stay as safe as possible by adopting these cybersecurity habits.

1. Vigilance and Awareness
Cybercriminals are deploying more sophisticated and targeted attacks. Small businesses, which are often seen as easier targets due to weaker defenses, need to stay vigilant and be aware of critical targets for hackers. Ransomware, phishing, and malware are growing more prevalent, and you can start protecting your business by increasing your team’s awareness of these attacks. Invest in cybersecurity measures, including regular updates to security software and comprehensive employee training programs to recognize and respond to threats.

2. Reinforce your cloud security
More small businesses are moving their operations to cloud-based services, and they face new vulnerabilities. Misconfigured settings, data breaches, and compliance issues can all leave your data vulnerable to abuse by cybercriminals. Ensuring your cloud service providers offer robust security measures, regularly auditing cloud configurations, and maintaining strict access controls are essential steps to safeguard your cloud environments.

3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a MUST
Don’t just rely on a password! Implementing MFA, which requires multiple forms of verification to access business accounts, will significantly enhance your digital security. This might include a combination of passwords, verification codes sent to mobile devices, or biometric verification. Making this a necessary practice for all employees is a key step to protecting your business from attack.

4. Watch for AI and Deepfake Technology
As mentioned above, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) bring both benefits and challenges. Employing AI-powered cybersecurity tools will help protect your business 24/7. But AI technology is also being used by cyberattackers. Deepfake technology can create realistic images, audio, and video, and might pose a threat to businesses. You can protect yourself by using a deepfake detection tool, being aware of these tactics, and training your employees to recognize these tools being used in scams – like phishing emails, calls, and texts.​

5. Have a Ransomware Threat Response Plan
Ransomware attacks remain one of the main concerns for businesses, especially with cybercriminals targeting small businesses for ransom attacks. Regular data backups, keeping software updated, and deploying advanced antivirus solutions are vital defenses that will keep you in control of your data. In the event of an attack, isolating compromised systems and using decryption tools will help recover your data without falling victim to the hacker’s ransom.

In 2024, you need a multifaceted approach to cybersecurity. A combination of awareness, cybersecurity technology, employee training, and proactive plans will protect your business against evolving cyber threats.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of implementing a cybersecurity plan for your business, we understand. Just staying aware of these threats is a great first step. And if you’re ready to move forward with advanced cybersecurity tools, we’re here to help.

2b1 Care’s suite of cybersecurity tools is fully customizable to your needs, and built to protect businesses of all sizes against wide-ranging cyberattacks and security risks. Interested in learning more? Contact our team today.