P2P

41 I L T A N E T . O R G • Role-Based Access. Your applications should allow you to restrict access to certain systems or data based on the role and responsibility level of each user. • Audit Log. All applications should automatically keep and provide access to a record of their operating trends, baseline metrics and any security incidents that might arise. • Support and Escalation Procedures. Providers should offer support outside of standard business hours – ideally 24/7. They should also have clearly defined escalation procedures when issues arise. • Product Development and Enhancement. Applications need to evolve and improve over time. You should be choosing applications that offer active, proactive development, and automatic patching, and feature/ security enhancements. • User Information. Technology is only helpful if your people know how to use it. Look for applications that offer educational reference materials like an indexed knowledgebase, context sensitive guidance and user communities. • Client Portals. Law firms operate under intense time demands, and often it's helpful for clients to engage in self-service. Look for tools that offer client portals, so your clients can access basic information, check status, and collaborate on documents without having to wait for a lawyer's intervention. • Mobile Apps. Today's lawyers are mobile and their tools need to go wherever they go. Look for technologies that offer secure mobile apps for access from anywhere, any time. Be Proactive The rising popularity of cloud computing has brought with it an increasingly complex and risky cybersecurity landscape. Thinking proactively about cybersecurity strategy and controls, business continuity and disaster recovery, and application management when choosing or monitoring a cloud provider is the best way to prevent cybersecurity breaches before they happen. ILTA Tomas Suros is a technology advocate working at the intersection of IT and client consulting. With AbacusNext since 2004, he currently serves as chief solutions architect, guiding firms through the process of identifying forward-facing technology options and ensuring the successful implementation of a tailored solution. Reach him at Tsuros@AbacusNext.com

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