The UK legal sector in 2025 continues to be a high-value target for cybercriminals due to the vast amounts of highly sensitive and confidential information it handles. Firms are experiencing an increase in increasingly sophisticated incidents, due in part to the increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by both attackers and law firms themselves.
Data breaches in the UK legal sector have increased significantly, with 2,284 incidents reported in the year leading up to September 2024, a 39% rise from the previous year. Law firms themselves experienced a 77% increase in successful cyberattacks.
Phishing attacks remain the most common cause of cyber-related incidents, accounting for 61% of cyber-related incidents in the legal sector. Ransomware attacks also continue to be a major threat, with a 40% rise in incidents targeting professional services from 2022-2024.
Human error remains one of the leading causes behind the success of most cyber-attacks. Common errors include misdirected emails, engaging with phishing attempts, and sharing data with the wrong person. Other breaches have occurred due to weak passwords, unsecured personal devices or engaging with malicious links.
The role of AI
While AI is being adopted by law firms for efficiency, cybercriminals are also leveraging it to create highly convincing phishing attacks, deepfakes, and automate hacking attempts, making attacks more sophisticated and harder to detect.
Cybercriminals are using AI to craft highly personalized and grammatically correct phishing emails, voice notes, and videos that mimic legitimate communications from senior partners or clients. This makes it extremely difficult for staff to discern fraudulent requests for financial transfers or confidential data (Respeecher.com).
Regulatory Landscape and Enforcement in the UK
The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018 are the cornerstones of data protection. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) continues to enforce these regulations, requiring appropriate technical and organisational security measures and mandatory breach reporting within 72 hours.
The current cyber security regulations play an essential role in safeguarding the UK’s critical national infrastructure by placing security duties on industry involved in the delivery of essential services.
However, with the increasingly frequent and sophisticated incidents of cyber-attacks including the recent high profile Legal Aid Agency data breaches, the new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, marks a significant shift towards mandatory reporting, tighter supply chain security, and proactive risk management. The Bill aims to strengthen the UK’s cyber defences, protect critical infrastructure and essential digital services, and address vulnerabilities in the current regulatory framework, which is based on the 2018 NIS Regulations inherited from the EU.
The Security of Network & Information Systems Regulations (NIS Regulations) also play an essential role in safeguarding the UK’s critical national infrastructure, by placing security duties on industry involved in the delivery of essential services.
Strengthening Cyber Defences in the Legal Sector
As well as the associated significant financial costs, a cyber incident can severely erode client trust, leading to existing clients leaving and difficulty in attracting new business. Attacks can also cause significant service delays and impact client satisfaction.UK Law firms must adopt a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity.
Key actions include:
- Robust Cybersecurity Governance: Establish clear accountability at board level and ensure regular reporting on cyber risks.
- Enhanced Staff Training: Continuous, sophisticated training on identifying AI-powered phishing, deepfakes, and ransomware is paramount, addressing the “human error” vulnerability.
- Strong Technical Controls: use multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all systems, enforce strong password policies and ensure comprehensive encryption of data.
- Regular Risk Assessments: Identify any vulnerabilities in IT infrastructure, processes, and personnel.
- Incident Response Planning: Develop and regularly test a detailed incident response plan to enable swift detection, containment, notification (within the 72-hour GDPR timeframe, and potentially shorter under the new Bill), and recovery.
- Supply Chain Due Diligence: Thoroughly assess third-party vendors and ensure their cybersecurity measures meet required standards, with appropriate clauses in contracts.
- Automated Security Measures: Utilize advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), and regular patch management.
- Cyber Insurance: While not a substitute for robust security, cyber insurance can help mitigate financial losses from breaches.
- Cyber Essentials Certification: Compliance with this government-backed framework is becoming increasingly important and will be a requirement for firms with a Legal Aid Contract from October 2025.
UK law firms in 2025 are operating in an environment where cyber threats are growing ever more frequent and complex. Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, and financial and reputational impacts are severe. Proactive investment in increasing cybersecurity measures along with continuous vigilance and staff education, is no longer optional.
Through the intended introduction of the new Cyber Security and Resilience Bil,. Regulatory scrutiny is not only increasing but becoming more prescriptive and proactive, with a strong focus on supply chain security, rapid incident reporting, and harmonisation with EU standards
References
Data Breaches in UK Legal Sector Increase by More Than a Third, Impacting Almost 8 Million People
Cyber security breaches survey 2024 – GOV.UK
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill: What UK businesses must do to stay compliant
