Yes, most law firms should carry cyber insurance, and to get good cover at a sensible price you’ll need to show insurers a set of basic controls: multi-factor authentication, modern endpoint protection, tested backups, email security and staff training. Insurers now ask for these directly, and weak answers mean higher premiums, exclusions, or a refusal to cover you at all.
Cyber insurance helps your firm recover from an incident, covering things like investigation, recovery, legal costs and notification. But it works alongside good security, not instead of it. Here is what to expect and how to prepare.
Why law firms need it
Firms hold sensitive client data and move large sums, which makes them a frequent target. The biggest single cause of claims is business email compromise and funds-transfer fraud. A serious incident can mean lost client money, a data breach to report, downtime and reputational damage, and the costs add up quickly. Insurance spreads that risk.
What insurers now require
Application forms have become detailed technical questionnaires. Expect to be asked about:
- Multi-factor authentication on email, remote access and key systems
- Endpoint detection and response, not just basic antivirus
- Backups that are isolated and regularly tested
- Email filtering and a process for verifying payment changes
- Security awareness training for staff
- Patching and supported, up-to-date software
Answering these accurately matters. If you claim to have a control you don’t, an insurer can decline the claim when you need it most.
How the right IT partner helps
A good provider puts these controls in place, keeps the evidence ready, and helps you complete the insurer’s questionnaire honestly and confidently. Strong controls often reduce your premium too, so security and insurance work together in your favour.
A real example: evidenced security that pays off
We helped a client become cyber security compliant to meet a customer’s requirements and win a large tender. The same controls that satisfy a demanding client or an insurer are the ones that genuinely reduce your risk day to day.
Why law firms choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002. Our credentials include:
- Cyber Essentials Certified
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Gold)
- NCSC Assured Service Provider (Cyber Advisor for Cyber Essentials)
- Microsoft Partner
- Crown Commercial Service Supplier (G-Cloud)
- Quality Principles Certified
We look after more than 2,000 endpoints across 50 companies, we’ve been named a Top 50 UK MSP for three years running, and we support organisations with 10 to 100 employees across Essex, Hertfordshire and London, including Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford.
Book a free IT and cyber security review
Renewing your cyber insurance soon? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll make sure you can answer every question with confidence.