When lawyers object to cloud technology, the argument is usually grounded in data security.\u00a0 The claim is that, surely, a cloud-based program is not as secure as alternatives.\u00a0 But, what lawyers often fail to consider is what those specific alternatives might be.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve watched Amazon\u2019s excellent \u2018The Man in the High Castle<\/a>\u2019 (or read the book it\u2019s based on<\/a>), you\u2019ll know that an examination of alternatives will not always yield a palatable option.\u00a0 The fact is, cloud security is relative.\u00a0 Take the time to analyze it against the operations of a traditional law office, and accessing a remote server<\/a> suddenly seems a whole heck of a lot safer.<\/p>\n Think about some of the obvious ways that law firms compromise their own data security.\u00a0 Files are left out on desks.\u00a0 Staff and clients and others walk around, with scant monitoring, while sensitive data is visible, and susceptible to theft.\u00a0 There is no formal tracking system for files.\u00a0 Strings of passwords are written on sticky notes, in plain view.\u00a0 Devices with sensitive information saved to them can be lost, or stolen.\u00a0 Dozens of emails are sent, across multitudes of servers to various parties, in order to capture revisions to one document.\u00a0 Devices and drives are unencrypted.\u00a0 I could go on; but, I tire of this game.<\/p>\n The truth of the matter is that a traditional law office operating in the modern world is far more<\/em> prone to data breach than a virtual law practice, or something close to it.\u00a0 An effective cloud array serves to eliminate paper, could reduce your passwords to a memorable few, removes software and files from the devices you use, promotes collaborative document management and offers feasible encryption options.<\/p>\n At this point, just about every one of the United States has on its books a data protection law<\/a>.\u00a0 The way those laws are written, the use of cloud-based technology that features encryption and security updates will pass muster, assuming a documented vetting process has taken place.\u00a0 Managing a system, or systems, in the cloud is a far more practical way to secure data than attempting to close various, gaping loopholes present in traditional paper-based or hybrid paper file\/electronic file office settings.<\/p>\n So, as it turns out, managing a cloud-based technology platform makes law firms more efficient and<\/em> more secure.<\/p>\n Who knew?\u00a0 (Well, I did; but, that\u2019s beside the point.)<\/p>\n . . .<\/p>\n Liner Notes<\/em><\/p>\n I usually try to throw down some back catalogue gem<\/a>s here; but, I have to say, there is much love in the Red Cave<\/a> for a mainstream jam every now and then.<\/p>\n \u2018Kind and Generous<\/a>\u2019 by Natalie Merchant<\/a><\/p>\n I\u2019ve been listening to a lot of Natalie Merchant lately<\/a>.\u00a0 So, sue me.<\/p>\n