The FBI recently warned that law firms are specific targets of computer criminals (cybercriminals) seeking unauthorized access to data. Pending changes to the Rules of Professional Conduct re-state the lawyer’s duty to reasonably secure computers to protect client confidentiality. Thus, cybersecurity emerges as a law practice issue.
backups
Attorney Brown Continuing Education
In October, Attorney Brown returns to class by taking three, technology-related, non-credit courses:
Introduction to Machine Learning,
Introduction to Databases, and
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence.
Data Backup Basics for Pennsylvania Lawyers
With the recent massive flooding, a hurricane, and an earthquake in Pennsylvania, lawyers may be re-evaluating data backup plans (you DO have a current, data backup plan). This article provides basic information for creating backups for solo or small law firms.
Navigating the Fog of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing may raise ethical questions. It also requires technical competence. Are you ready?
Published as: Shannon Brown, Navigating the Fog of Cloud Computing, The Pennsylvania Lawyer 18–22 (Sept./Oct. 2011).
Navigating the Fog of Cloud Computing: An Unofficial Supplement to The Pennsylvania Lawyer Article
Attorney Brown compiled some of his most recent articles and blog posts related to cloud computing. If you read the recent article, “Navigating the Fog of Cloud Computing” in The Pennsylvania Lawyer, these articles might also be of interest for lawyers.
An Unofficial Quick Guide to Installing a VeriSign Digital ID (S/MIME Certificate) for Lawyers
Installing an email encryption S/MIME (SMIME) certificate on Mozilla Thunderbird and Mozilla Firefox is simple. However, the instructions provided by Verisign (as of August 2011) do not appear to address newer versions of Mozilla products (circa 5.0+) and can be frustrating for a novice user.
Hiatus Explained—Technology & Ethics CLE Pending
For the past few weeks, Attorney Brown took a brief hiatus from blogging and website articles to prepare for a forthcoming Legal Ethics & Technology CLE. Attorney Brown is scheduled to deliver the CLE at the Lancaster Bar Association on September 9, 2011. The CLE will address (as time permits) emerging issues for lawyers related to technology
A Basic Computer Data Backup Option for Solo or Small-firm Attorneys: Areca Review
Several months ago, I embarked on what I thought would be the easy task of finding a simple, usable, and effective computer data backup solution for my solo attorney law practice. I was wrong; I seriously underestimated the [needless] complexity of this task (even with my technology background). While backup solutions abound, I struggled to find a solution that met basic criteria. I provide this article to hopefully help other Pennsylvania lawyers evaluating backup options.
Avoiding Being “Bit”ten: Bandwidth Issues With Cloud Computing Backups
As attorneys consider using cloud computing for file backup, the time required to restore files after a disaster may [unpleasantly] surprise a law firm. Backups in cloud storage may take days to download depending on the speed of the internet connection and the amount of data. Anticipating the potential download times, and creating a plan, may help a law firm to avoid unexpected problems should a disaster occur. (And confirms that off-site cloud storage should be combined with local backups to minimize down-time and law firm disruption in the event of a catastrophic data loss.)