Link to the full article:
http://www.legalcloudcomputingassociation.org/legal-cloud-computing-association-publish-first-cloud-security-doctrine-for-law-firms/

Legal technology vendors adopt standards for protecting law firms and client data hosted online

The Legal Cloud Computing Association (LCCA), a consortium of the leading legal cloud computing providers, is releasing its inaugural set of security standards. These draft standards help both legal providers and the growing legal technology sector collaboratively and transparently work together to address cybersecurity concerns and implement best practices for security into their joint operations. LCCA members each commit to using these security standards within their companies and services.

“The legal profession has unique security and confidentiality requirements that differ from many other businesses. Most cloud tools used by consumers do not often recognize and support these needs” said Jack Newton, CEO of Clio and President of the LCCA. “The LCCA’s security standards give the legal profession certainty as to the specific steps taken by their technology vendors in keeping their data private and, we hope, provide the basis for a common set of standards that Bar Associations and Law Societies will support.”

The LCCA guidelines incorporate industry best-practices, data privacy guidance from North American and European governments, and legal-specific requirements recommended by bar associations and courts.  The new draft guidelines set standards for a range of issues related to law firms using cloud computing services, including:

• Geographic data residency location and disclosure requirements;
• Encryption and data integrity best practices;
• Restricting access to cloud-stored data by third parties;
• Data loss prevention measures; and
• Terms of Service and other contractual obligations to which each LCCA member commits.

The LCCA guidelines issuance is timely, as legal service providers continue to adopt cloud computing services in ever-increasing numbers. Of the lawyers surveyed in the American Bar Association’s 2015 Legal Technology Survey, currently 31% use cloud-based services to complete law-related tasks.  However, other businesses have been quicker to adopt cloud-based services to enhance their own security. PWC’s Global State of Information Security® Survey 2016 Report found that 69% of non-legal businesses were adopting cloud computing services as part of their cybersecurity initiatives.

“The benefits that law firms can achieve from cloud computing are efficiency and scalability,” added Rakesh Madhava, CEO of Nextpoint and LCCA member. “With these new guidelines, law firms can safely and securely seize those benefits with a collection of committed technology partners. The LCCA believes that sophisticated technology to secure data and prevent cyber-attacks is now available to every law firm regardless of size.”

About the Legal Cloud Computing Association:
Formed in 2010, The Legal Cloud Computing Association (LCCA) is the collective voice of the leading cloud computing software providers for the legal profession. The LCCA consists of Clio (Themis Solutions, Inc.), DirectLaw, Inc., NetDocuments Inc., Nextpoint, Inc., Onit, Inc., and Rocket Matter, LLC. To find out more about the LCCA, visit http://www.legalcloudcomputingassociation.org/.

About Clio
Clio is the most comprehensive cloud-based practice management platform for the legal

industry. With the help of the cloud, Clio eases the process of time tracking, billing, administration, and collaboration for law firms of all sizes. Based in Vancouver, B.C. and launched in 2008, Clio is used by legal professionals in over 50 countries. Clio has raised $27 million from investors including Bessemer Venture Partners. Learn more at www.clio.com.

About Nextpoint
Nextpoint is a cloud-based evidence management solution that delivers maximum efficiency in litigation workflows. It’s a cost-effective software-as-a-service that helps you manage electronic data from discovery to trial, across all your matters, from one secure login. Founded in 2001, Nextpoint continues to innovate and expand services to law firms, corporations and government agencies of all sizes. Learn more at www.nextpoint.com.