The cloud is one of our greatest resources for businesses. It makes for better security and accessibility. Especially with cloud computing, we’ve seen much higher capabilities for businesses to manage programs and functions within the cloud and from anywhere rather than just connecting to a specific server. But there are some industries that aren’t sure how to safely use the cloud, especially when there are legal consequences if they aren’t using it properly. One of these industries is the law industry where protecting your client information can be the difference between winning and losing a case and keeping or losing your license. Given that the cloud is so useful for managing a business, how can lawyers really use the cloud safely? Here are some things to keep in mind.

State-wide ethics

Every state has their own ethics board that determines what is and is not permitted for lawyers. There haven’t been any states to come out and say no to using the cloud, according to Above The Law, but there have been quite a few states that have said it is ethical and appropriate to use the cloud in running a law firm. Some of these states include Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, Maryland, and many more.  These states have also asked that Lawyers are extremely careful in using “reasonable care” to protect information used in the cloud.

Ensure confidentiality

One of the recommended things to do when using the cloud in a law setting is to ensure that there is confidentiality and security to protect all client information. One of the ways to do this is to pick a managed IT service company to work with you. They usually have a good idea of how to set up security and encryptions to ensure the most secure network of information. In fact, it is often more secure than trying to keep all that information on an on-site server.

Client communication

Though it isn’t always necessary to go over your procedures for storing information on the cloud with your clients, there are instances where you may want to discuss it with them. Most companies aren’t going to spend time telling their clients exactly how they store all client information and how they protect it, but if you have clients that are concerned about it or extra sensitive information they might not want being stored at all, it would make sense to let them know. In any case, it never hurts for your clients to know your security procedures, especially if they are coming to you with documents that need to be closely protected.

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Source: abovethelaw .com/2016/02/can-lawyers-use-the-cloud-should-lawyers-use-the-cloud/?rf=1