Even in 2025, many law firms are still making the same dangerous mistake — assuming they’re too small, too secure, or too “tech-savvy” to be hacked.

Spoiler alert: those are myths.

Let’s bust some of the biggest misconceptions about cybersecurity that could be putting your law firm — and your clients — at serious risk.

Myth #1: “Hackers Only Target Big Firms”

Many attorneys believe cybercriminals only go after giant firms with massive case files and deep pockets.

The truth? Small and mid-sized firms are often easier targets because hackers assume your defenses are weaker.

Think about it — stealing just a few real-estate transaction details or trust-account logins can be a huge payday for a cybercriminal.

📊 Did you know?
43% of all cyberattacks now target small businesses.

If your firm handles sensitive data (and whose doesn’t?), you’re already on the radar.

Myth #2: “Our IT Guy Handles Everything”

Having a good IT professional is important — but cybersecurity isn’t just a tech problem.

It’s a people problem.

Hackers rely on human error — that one employee who clicks a phishing link or opens an infected attachment. Even the most experienced IT team can’t stop someone from making a simple mistake.

That’s why training matters more than technology.

Every member of your staff should know how to spot fake emails, suspicious requests, and signs of a breach before it’s too late.

Myth #3: “The Cloud Keeps Us Safe Automatically”

Cloud storage is convenient — and often more secure than local servers — but it’s not foolproof.

The cloud is only as safe as your settings, passwords, and access controls.

Imagine leaving your office file cabinet unlocked because your building has security cameras. That’s what happens when you rely on the cloud but ignore user permissions or password strength.

✅ A Secure Cloud: Strong passwords, limited access, MFA enabled
❌ An Unsecured Cloud: Shared logins, weak passwords, open access

The difference between the two? One data breach away from disaster.

Myth #4: “It Won’t Happen to Us”

This is the most dangerous myth of all.

Cyberattacks aren’t a question of if — they’re a question of when.

Law firms are prime targets because they handle confidential client data, financial records, and case files that can be exploited or sold.

Every firm, regardless of size or specialty, needs to assume they’re a target and prepare accordingly.

 Don’t wait to react — prepare now.

How to Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats

Now that we’ve busted some myths, here’s how to keep your firm protected:

• Train your team regularly.
  Make cybersecurity awareness part of your firm’s culture.
  
• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
  A few seconds of inconvenience can prevent months of chaos.
  
• Have a response plan.
  Know who to call, what to do, and how to communicate if something goes wrong.
  

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated or scary. By staying informed and ditching outdated myths, you can keep your clients, your data, and your reputation secure.

For real-world stories and practical protection strategies, check out Game Over? Not Today! by Don Ivol — a great read for any professional serious about defending their business against modern threats.

Stay smart. Stay safe. And keep busting those myths.

Imagine this…

You get a voicemail from your managing partner instructing you to wire funds immediately to close a deal.
The voice is unmistakably theirs — the same tone, cadence, even the familiar urgency.
You make the transfer… only to discover later that your partner never made the call.

Scary, right?
It’s not science fiction anymore. It’s happening right now — and law firms are among the prime targets.

How AI Is Supercharging Scams

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work, communicate, and market — but it’s also arming cybercriminals with disturbingly powerful tools.

With just a few seconds of recorded speech — perhaps from a webinar, a YouTube clip, or even a voicemail — scammers can now use deepfake and AI voice cloning technology to recreate someone’s voice almost perfectly.

They use these fake voices to:

• Call your office pretending to be a partner or client
• Leave urgent voicemails requesting fund transfers
• Send recorded messages convincing enough to trick even cautious employees

It’s the next generation of social engineering — and it’s frighteningly effective.

Why Law Firms Are Prime Targets

Law firms make ideal victims for AI-driven scams for several reasons:

• Large Transactions: From settlements to real estate closings, firms often handle significant sums of money.
• Public Communication: Many attorneys appear in hearings, interviews, webinars, or firm videos — providing plenty of voice samples to clone.
• High Trust Environments: Attorneys, clients, and staff rely on established relationships and quick communication. When a familiar voice calls, few people question it.

That combination of accessibility, authority, and trust makes the legal sector especially vulnerable to deepfake and voice-cloning scams.

A Real-World Near Miss

Just a few months ago, a law firm nearly wired hundreds of thousands of dollars after receiving a voicemail that appeared to be from its managing partner. The message was urgent, specific, and completely believable.

Thankfully, a sharp-eyed paralegal hesitated and verified the request through another channel — preventing a catastrophic loss. But many firms aren’t so lucky. The scams are evolving faster than most people realize.

How to Protect Your Firm

The best defense against deepfake and AI voice scams isn’t fear — it’s preparedness.
Here’s how to safeguard your team and clients:

1. Verify Unusual Requests

Never rely on a single voicemail, text, or email — even if it sounds or looks legitimate.
Always confirm any urgent or high-value request in person or by calling a known, verified number.

2. Establish a Firm Policy

Create and enforce a rule such as:

“No wires or major actions without verbal confirmation from two trusted people.”

That simple step can stop most scams before they start.

3. Educate Your Team

Train everyone — attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff — to recognize that voices and even videos can be faked.
Awareness is the most powerful security tool you have.

4. Limit Public Voice Samples

Be thoughtful about how much of your voice appears online.
When possible, restrict recordings or use watermarking technology to protect sensitive communications.

Deepfakes and AI voice scams represent the next wave of social engineering — but they’re not unbeatable.
By slowing down, verifying information, and building a culture of cybersecurity awareness, your firm can stay one step ahead.

Bonus Resource

For more real-world examples of digital deception and practical tips to protect your business, check out Game Over? Not Today! by Don Ivol — a must-read for any attorney serious about cybersecurity.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Informed

Deepfakes may mimic a voice, but they can’t replace human judgment.
Trust your instincts, double-check requests, and keep your firm — and your clients — safe from the next wave of AI-powered fraud.

If you’ve ever played a round of golf, you know the course is full of hazards. Whether it’s sand traps, thick rough, trees, or even dreaded water hazards, every hole presents its own unique challenges. And if you play golf like me, you tend to find all of them! But as I was out on the course recently, I realized that golf isn’t too different from running a law practice.

Whether you work in a large firm or operate as a solo practitioner, your daily practice is full of hazards. Blown statutes of limitations, hidden conflicts of interest, or even taking on the wrong client—each of these can lead to serious consequences. But unlike in golf, where you have to navigate hazards on your own, in the legal world, you have a safety net: legal malpractice insurance.

The Advantage of Legal Malpractice Insurance

One of the key benefits of most legal malpractice policies is access to risk management resources, often in the form of a hotline. This invaluable tool allows you to consult with experienced professionals who can help you navigate complex situations. Whether you need guidance on a tricky legal issue, are unsure how to proceed with a particular case, or simply want to double-check your risk exposure, making a quick call to the hotline can help mitigate potential problems before they escalate into claims.

Imagine if golf worked the same way. What if you could call up a pro like Scottie Scheffler and ask for advice when you’re in a tough spot—trapped in a bunker with a pebble behind your ball and a tricky shot ahead? Unfortunately, that’s not an option in golf. But in law, you do have that lifeline, and it’s wise to take advantage of it.

Use the Tools at Your Disposal

Legal malpractice insurance isn’t just there to protect you after a claim arises—it’s a proactive tool to help you manage risks before they turn into major problems. So, the next time you find yourself facing a professional hazard, remember to use the resources available to you. Pick up the phone, call the hotline, and get the advice you need.

In golf, you have to play the ball where it lies. But in law, you don’t have to face hazards alone.

And remember—I’m Don, your insurance guy, not your golf guy!

Have any questions about the risk management hotline? Call INF at 412.563.2106

Hey, Don Ivol here—stepping away from my desk for a moment to enjoy some unseasonably warm weather. It must be at least 50 degrees out! If you ask Punxsutawney Phil, we should be preparing for six more weeks of winter, but you wouldn’t know it from today’s forecast.

Speaking of our furry weather predictor, I recently read that Phil is right less than 50% of the time. That might be acceptable for a groundhog—or even a meteorologist—but when it comes to your legal malpractice insurance, less than 50% just doesn’t cut it.

If you’re renewing or purchasing a policy this year, whether through me at Integrity First Corporation or another broker, take a moment to make sure you have the coverage you truly need. Here are a few key questions to consider:

1. Are Your Policy Limits Right for You?

Your limits should align with the scope of your practice and the clients you serve. If they’re too low, you may be leaving yourself exposed. Too high, and you could be overpaying.

2. Is Your Deductible Still the Right Fit?

In today’s economy, reassessing your deductible is a smart move. Does it need to be adjusted—higher to lower your premium, or lower to reduce out-of-pocket costs in case of a claim?

3. Is Your Broker Looking Out for You?

A good broker doesn’t just sell you a policy; they walk you through the application process, ensure you understand your coverage, and stay in touch with the carrier on your behalf. If your broker isn’t providing that level of service, it might be time to reevaluate.

Don’t Leave It to Chance

The last thing you want is to take a gamble with your coverage, relying on guesswork like Punxsutawney Phil. Instead, take control and make sure your legal malpractice insurance protects you properly.

Have questions? Need guidance? I’m Don I—your insurance guy. Let’s make sure you’re covered. Give me a call at 412-563-2106.

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, many of us are setting resolutions to eat better, exercise more, and stick to healthier habits. Whether you’re all-in on resolutions or taking a pass this year, there’s one goal we can all embrace: improving our protection. For lawyers and law firms, this means reassessing your insurance coverage to ensure you’re adequately protected against today’s risks.

Why You Need Both Legal Malpractice and Cyber Insurance

As a legal professional, you face a variety of exposures every day. Two of the most significant are legal malpractice and cyber risks. Unfortunately, there’s a common misconception that these two types of insurance are interchangeable. They’re not. Each addresses a distinct set of risks, and failing to carry both could leave you vulnerable.

Legal Malpractice Insurance This coverage is designed to protect you and your firm against claims of professional negligence. If a client alleges that your legal services caused them harm, your legal malpractice policy provides a safety net. While some policies may include minimal coverage for cyber-related incidents, this is typically limited in scope and insufficient to address the full range of cyber risks.

Cyber Insurance Cyber insurance, on the other hand, protects your firm against cyber threats like data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other digital risks. These policies are tailored to address the financial and operational impacts of cyber incidents, including notification costs, regulatory fines, and business interruption. Unlike legal malpractice insurance, cyber insurance doesn’t cover claims of professional negligence.

Understanding the Differences

It’s critical to understand that these two policies are not interchangeable. While there may be some overlap—such as limited cyber coverage under a legal malpractice policy—the limits are usually low, and the coverage may not even trigger in certain scenarios. Similarly, cyber policies don’t provide protection against claims of legal malpractice. Relying on one policy to cover both risks is a gamble that could cost you dearly.

Protecting Your Practice in 2025

Make 2025 the year you take a proactive approach to safeguarding your practice. Ensure you have comprehensive legal malpractice and cyber insurance coverage in place. Doing so not only protects you and your firm but also your employees and clients.

If you’re unsure whether your current policies provide adequate protection, let’s talk. I’m here to help you navigate your insurance needs and ensure you’re fully covered for the challenges ahead.

Remember, I’m Don I, your insurance guy. Let’s make this the year of better protection for you and your practice. Give me a call, and let’s discuss your options today!

Welcome to Week 4 of Cybersecurity Awareness Month! As we continue to focus on protecting your digital assets, it’s time to discuss one of the most effective methods to secure your accounts—Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). By adding multiple layers of defense, MFA helps to ensure that only authorized users can access your sensitive data.

What Is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires users to provide two or more verification steps to access an account. Think of it as an extra lock on your digital door. Even if a hacker manages to steal your password, they still need to pass through another security checkpoint to gain access.

How Does MFA Work?

MFA typically comes into play after you’ve entered your password. To complete the login process, you’ll need to provide additional proof of identity. Here are some common types of MFA verification methods:

• An extra PIN: A four- to six-digit code that you must enter in addition to your password.
• Security questions: Pre-set questions that only you should be able to answer, like your mother’s maiden name or the name of your first pet.
• Code sent via email or text: A temporary code is sent to your phone or email, which you must enter to proceed.
• Biometric scan: This could be a fingerprint, facial recognition, or even voice recognition, ensuring that only you can access your account.
• Authenticator app: These apps generate a unique number every 30 seconds, which you use to verify your identity.
• Secure token: A physical device like a key fob that generates a code, providing an extra layer of security.

Why Should You Use MFA?

In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, relying solely on passwords is no longer enough. MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access by adding an additional barrier that hackers must overcome. It’s especially crucial for protecting sensitive information such as financial data, client records, and other confidential materials.

By adopting MFA, businesses can ensure better data protection for their clients and themselves. This simple yet effective security measure helps prevent breaches that could lead to identity theft, financial losses, and damaged reputations.

Take Action Today to Protect Your Business

Cybersecurity is not just about having strong passwords; it’s about adding multiple layers of protection. By enabling MFA, you take a proactive step toward securing your digital environment. Start enhancing your firm’s cybersecurity with these layered defenses and stay ahead of potential threats.

And if you’re looking for additional ways to mitigate your risk, consider cyber liability insurance. It’s a crucial safeguard for businesses in today’s digital age. For more information, give us a call at 412-563-2106.

Strengthen your defenses and keep your data secure—because in the digital world, a little extra protection goes a long way.

Welcome to another exciting week of Cybersecurity Awareness Month! This week, we’re diving into the essential topic of password security. Imagine your password as your first line of defense in the courtroom of cybersecurity. It needs to be strong, unique, and hard to crack.

Why Password Strength Matters

Hackers often break into accounts by guessing or stealing weak passwords. Using the same password across multiple sites is like using the same defense strategy in every case—it makes you vulnerable. Protecting yourself starts with using strong, unique passwords.

Tips for Strong Passwords

1. Length and Complexity: Ensure your password is at least 12 characters long. Mix it up with upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special symbols.
2. Uniqueness: Each account should have a different password. This way, even if one account is compromised, others remain secure.
3. Use a Password Manager: Can’t remember all your passwords? A password manager is your best friend. It’s like having a legal assistant who organizes all your files for you. It safely stores your passwords, generates strong ones, and ensures you don’t have to memorize them all.

Our Recommendation: KeePass

Here at our office, we use KeePass. It allows you to create, save, and search for passwords easily. KeePass can help you maintain that strong defense system by managing your passwords efficiently.

Remember, protecting your accounts starts with building a robust defense. Make your password fortress unbreakable!

Stay safe and secure online, and join us next week for more cybersecurity insights!

Hey there! Since September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, it’s a great time to talk about
another essential type of coverage that often flies under the radar—legal malpractice insurance. While most of us are familiar with the importance of life insurance, especially for providing financial protection to our loved ones, legal malpractice insurance offers a different kind of security that is equally important for attorneys and their families

What is Legal Malpractice Insurance?

Legal malpractice insurance is designed to protect attorneys from claims made against them for
professional errors or negligence during their careers. While this coverage is crucial while an attorney is practicing, many overlook the lasting protection it can offer after an attorney passes away. This is where the Death Extended Reporting Period (ERP) endorsement comes into play.

What is a Death Extended Reporting Period (ERP)?

The Death ERP doesn’t offer a lump sum payout to your heirs like life insurance would. However, it
provides significant protection in the event of the insured attorney’s death. Essentially, the Death ERP covers any legal malpractice claims that arise after the attorney has passed away but stem from actions they took while alive. This coverage ensures that the deceased attorney’s estate and heirs aren’t burdened with defending against legal claims, which could otherwise cause financial and emotional strain.

How Does the Death ERP Work?

In the unfortunate event of an attorney’s death, the Death ERP automatically activates, providing
coverage for any claims that are made after the passing but are related to the attorney’s work during their lifetime. Although it doesn’t offer a direct financial benefit like life insurance, it prevents costly legal battles that could impact the estate or heirs of the deceased. Imagine the peace of mind in knowing your family is protected from future legal entanglements related to your practice, even after you’re gone.

Check Your Policy for Specifics

While most carriers include some form of Death ERP in their legal malpractice policies, the terms can vary. Some policies provide coverage only until the estate is closed, while others offer indefinite protection. It’s crucial to double-check your policy details so you know exactly what kind of protection you have in place. If you’re unsure, now is the perfect time to verify your coverage.

Why This Matters During Life Insurance Awareness Month

As you’re reviewing your life insurance needs this September, it’s a good idea to take a moment and consider the other types of protection you have in place—like legal malpractice insurance. Ensuring you have the right coverage for both life insurance and malpractice claims is a comprehensive way to protect your family, your estate, and your legacy.

Hope this helps, and remember, I’m Don I, your insurance guy!

Have any questions about the topic discussed in this video? Contact us today! 412.563.2106