Seeking the Right Cloud Computing Provider for Law Practice

Most lawyers already know the benefits of cloud computing by now. They’ve either experienced some of the benefits for themselves, or they have a buddy that’s using the technology that is constantly telling them all about it.

Some of these lawyers are planning on adopting the tech soon, but are worried about how much time it will take to learn to use it, others are concerned with the security aspects of cloud computing. After all, cloud computing is essentially taking all your confidential documents and putting them out on the internet so that you can access them more conveniently.

You are putting your valuable files in the hands of another company, and that’s always going to come with some concern. If you’re willing to take the time to really vet a company before using them, and you have someone on your team that knows the right security questions to ask, you should be able to ensure that the service is more than safe enough for your needs, and alleviate any concerns that you have before you start working with the provider.

Choose your Provider Carefully

As long as you take care when choosing your cloud computing provider you have nothing to worry about. The provider’s business is relying on the security of your files and everyone else’s that trusts them.

Take your time and ask about security protocols. Ask about all the practices in place currently to protect your information and make sure the company is doing at least as much as your law office was to protect valuable client information. As long as you do this you’ll know that your clients are in good hands and that there information is as safe as it’s going to be.

Never be afraid to ask about the security of the solution that you’re considering because managing he client’s confidentiality is vitally important. This is protecting the core of your business after all, it’s your duty to make sure the solution is as safe as it needs to be, and it’s the duty of the provider to help you understand what’s going on and to make you feel safe.

Consider an Encryption Solution

If you’re really worried about the security of your documents, you can begin using an encryption program to protect every one of them. Such a program would encrypt each of your files before you load them to the cloud.

Viewing these files will not be an issue as long as you have the program along with the key on every computer you plan to view the files on. This helps keep the solution just as convenient, but it makes cloud computing even safer. If you aren’t sure about how to do this you can speak with a security pro who can walk you through the process, but it’s much more straightforward than it sounds.

Look for a Solution with a Client Portal

After you find a solution that offers protection to your files and you aren’t worried about people gaining access to them, you should consider looking for a service that also offers a client portal. This is like an email system that protects the information within.

It gives you the ability for you and the client to share confidential information back and forth online without the worry of that information being leaked to someone who shouldn’t have it. While this type of value added service isn’t necessary, it’s nice to have and will really benefit the office over time during all those situations where information has to be shared quickly.

As long as you take security seriously and you’re willing to ask the hard questions, or hire a consultant that can ask the hard questions for you, there’s no reason for you to worry about the security of your cloud computing solution.

It will keep all that information stored safely, and you’ll have a more streamlined business that you can count on to get things done with. That’s exactly what every legal professional wants, and it’s what you could have. So don’t skimp on managing the client’s confidentiality with your next solution.

Contact NexStep, a cloud based law practice management to help your maintain your document management safely in the security of the cloud.