Why Cyber Resilience Matters More Than Ever for Law Firms

Australian law firms are facing a new era of cybersecurity threats, and the stakes have never been higher. A recent article in SMBTech by Clio’s General Manager APAC, Denise Farmer, highlights a worrying surge: 21% of Australian law firms reported experiencing a cyberattack in the past year—a sharp rise from previous years. These attacks are not only growing in frequency, but are becoming more sophisticated as cybercriminals harness artificial intelligence to scale their operations and pinpoint vulnerabilities.

As Denise explains, law firms occupy a unique position as stewards of sensitive client data, confidential strategies, and vital financial records. This makes them prime targets and means that merely “ticking the box” on compliance is no longer enough. Cybersecurity isn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about building long-term business resilience and maintaining client trust in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

The regulatory landscape itself is shifting. With Tranche 2 AML/CTF obligations set to commence in 2026, the pressure is on for law firms to implement deeper, more proactive security programs, with AUSTRAC enrolment required by March 2026 and strict new standards arriving mid-year. This marks a move from reactive compliance to firm-wide, strategic risk management.

Denise’s advice extends well beyond adopting new technologies. She encourages firms to embrace a comprehensive approach that includes:

• Proactively assess risk and conduct independent audits

• Develop tailored, firm-specific cybersecurity policies

• Invest in continuous staff training to address human vulnerabilities

• Leverage legal technology platforms such as Clio—that are built with robust, enterprise-grade security at the core.

And what was once seen as an operational hurdle is now a potential differentiator. Law firms that prioritise cyber resilience are better poised to reassure clients, safeguard reputations, attract top-tier talent, and scale with confidence in a digital-first world.

At Clio, our platform is designed with these evolving needs in mind, providing secure, cloud-based solutions that empower law firms to protect client information without sacrificing flexibility or productivity. Every year, Clio conducts a self-assessment to ensure that our processes, configurations, and control mechanisms comply with relevant legislation. You can learn more about Clio’s security and compliance protection mechanisms here.

For more insights on building a resilient legal practice, read the full article on SMBTech.