Ask Cloud Service Providers; Should Law Firms Use the Cloud
March 28, 2017
Cloud service providers are adopting new tools and analytics specifically designed for law firms. Today there is no reason for law firms not to be in the cloud. The fear of security is no longer present. In fact, it is now safer to keep data in the cloud than to keep locally on an in-house network. What about ethics? This is also not a problem. There is not one state in the United States that has any laws or protocols in place to restrict lawyers from maintaining client information in the cloud.
The Data Advantage
So, exactly how safe is data in the cloud? Of course, it depends on the type of cloud configuration you are using, and what extras you have applied to protect your data. Cloud service providers, like TOSS C3, that work with law firms all over the country know how to keep client data, court records, and other law-essential documents safe.
If you opt for a hybrid network, then you can place part of your data in the cloud and the rest of the data can be stored in-house. This is used to keep daily functionality in-house, and important information is stored away from the office. This provides natural disaster protection that is unparalleled. By using a dual-authentication security system, hackers cannot access the data or the network the data is stored on. Learn more:
Selecting a Vendor
Choosing a vendor, or cloud service provider is an important decision. There are a couple of key things you should look for. Make sure the vendor has experience with law firms. Vendors that work with law firms on a regular basis will most likely know what you need better than you do. Let’s face it, you are a lawyer, not an IT specialist, and it should stay that way. The more firms the cloud service provider has worked with, the better service you can expect to receive. They will know about state requirements for storing data on their servers, if court documents have a specific protocol that must be adjusted for, and the type of mobility options you may require for your office.
Stay Mobile
Mobile options are your smartphone, tablet, and laptop. The key factor to consider is the ability to work from places outside the office without worrying about hackers accessing your data, thieves stealing your laptop or phone, or carelessness from an employee. Two-way authentication requires a secondary password for you to access the information in the cloud.
Two-way authentication provides extreme security. For example; you are sitting at your favorite coffee shop and you want to access some records before court. You sit down and log on to your server at the office. You type in your password, and you cannot get in. That is because you now have to wait for a special password to be sent to your phone. Once you receive that password, and use your normal password, then you can enter your network and access all the files you want. This stops hackers from accessing the data, and if someone steals your mobile device, they cannot access information unless they have both your devices and know how they work together.
The old worries of data threats and ethical borders are no longer a concern in the world of the cloud. In order for your law office to grow, you need to enter the cloud and find out what technologies you are missing out on. Get a free assessment today.
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