Cyber essentials certification: A guide for law firms

These days, law firms face increasing pressure to meet strict cybersecurity standards. One such standard is the Cyber Essentials certification, a vital credential that helps law firms operate safely, reducing the risk of cyber threats. Many firms are required to obtain this certification due to regulatory and insurance requirements. However, obtaining Cyber Essentials certification can present several challenges, particularly for firms navigating the process for the first time.

The challenges of achieving cyber essentials certification:

Achieving Cyber Essentials certification involves several hurdles that firms need to be aware of and plan for carefully. Below are some of the primary challenges:

  1. Management: Handling the Cyber Essentials certification process internally might seem like a cost-effective option at first. However, it often turns out to be complex and time-consuming. Many firms find that their staff lacks the appropriate knowledge to manage the certification process efficiently, which can lead to delays and potential pitfalls.

  2. Capacity Constraints: Another challenge is capacity. Firms must consider whether their existing team has the time and resources to dedicate to this single strategic project. Overburdened staff can lead to ineffective handling of the certification process, which may affect overall firm operations.

  3. Extensive Requirements: The Cyber Essentials certification process is thorough, comprising over 100 questions that cover a range of areas including process, policy, and technical inputs. While some requirements might be simple to address (like updating security settings or drafting a new policy), others may require significant changes to the firm’s IT setup to ensure compliance.

  4. Coordination with IT Providers: Firms also need someone who can effectively liaise with existing IT support providers to pull together the necessary information. This often involves technical-level conversations, which requires a dedicated resource with the right expertise.

An effective approach to cyber essentials certification

Given these challenges, an independent approach can be beneficial. Firms should consider leveraging external expertise to manage the certification process, which can significantly streamline the effort required from internal teams and reduce disruption to daily operations. Here's a recommended approach:

  • Independent Project Management: Engage an independent service to handle the Cyber Essentials certification as a separate project. This means working closely with your staff and IT support provider to gather the required information and address any gaps in documents, processes, or systems.

  • Collaboration with Key Stakeholders: The independent consultant would work with related providers and internal staff to identify and resolve roadblocks. This collaborative approach ensures that any changes needed for certification are implemented effectively and can be maintained by the firm’s team moving forward.

  • Focused Expertise: Having a Cyber Essentials-trained consultant leading the project ensures that all inputs are handled by a specialist who understands both the legal sector and the certification requirements.

Key benefits of an independent approach

  1. Expert Oversight and Accountability: An independent technology consultant provides unbiased oversight, managing the project from start to finish and ensuring all necessary steps are completed efficiently.

  2. Legal Sector Specialisation: Engaging a consultant who specialises in the legal sector ensures that the unique needs and compliance requirements of law firms are well understood and addressed.

  3. Minimised Disruption: A dedicated resource to manage the certification process helps to reduce the time and disruption required from the firm, allowing internal teams to focus on their core activities.

  4. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: An independent consultant doesn’t provide ongoing IT support or infrastructure services, which avoids conflicts of interest with your existing IT support providers or risk and compliance consultants.

  5. Sustainable Compliance: Once certification is achieved, an effective review cycle is set up with the firm’s business-as-usual team to ensure ongoing compliance and readiness for future assessments.

The Path Forward for Law Firms

Obtaining Cyber Essentials certification is no small task, but with the right approach, it can be managed effectively. Firms should consider their options carefully, weighing the benefits of independent project management against the potential costs and challenges of handling the process internally. By taking a strategic, informed approach, law firms can achieve certification with confidence, safeguarding their operations and building trust with clients.


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