169 Decatur Rd, McDonough, GA 30253
RAM-Tech PC Solutions, LLC
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Legal IT FAQ

Client confidentiality, retention and the obligations that come with both.

Legal

Client confidentiality, retention and the obligations that come with both.

Eleven questions legal clients ask us, answered.

SecurityWhat are the biggest cybersecurity risks for law firms?

Phishing attacks targeting confidential client communications, ransomware targeting case files, and unauthorized access to privileged legal matter data. Law firms are high-value targets because of the sensitive, time-critical nature of the information they hold.

SecurityDo we have an ethical obligation to protect client data?

Yes. ABA Model Rule 1.6 requires attorneys to make reasonable efforts to prevent unauthorized disclosure of client information. Most state bar associations have adopted similar rules. A cybersecurity breach that exposes client data can result in disciplinary action, malpractice liability, and reputational damage.

SecurityIs MFA required for our systems?

It is not explicitly mandated by bar rules, but it is the recognized standard for 'reasonable' security measures under attorney competence and confidentiality obligations. We enforce MFA on all systems we manage, including your email and document management platforms.

General ITCan attorneys access case files from personal devices?

Only if those devices are managed, encrypted, and governed by your firm's security policies. Accessing privileged client data on an unmanaged personal device creates confidentiality risk and potential ethics exposure. We configure secure remote access that protects both your clients and your firm.

General ITHow do we protect client communications sent by email?

Email encryption and proper configuration of your email security gateway are essential. We also ensure your domain has SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records in place to prevent spoofing — a common attack vector used to impersonate attorneys in wire fraud schemes.

Cloud & M365Is cloud storage appropriate for confidential client files?

Yes, when properly configured. Cloud platforms like Microsoft 365 offer strong security controls — but only if those controls are turned on and maintained. We configure your environment to restrict external sharing, enforce encryption, and log all access to sensitive files.

Cloud & M365Can we use Microsoft Teams for client communications?

Yes, with proper configuration. Guest access settings must be carefully controlled, and your retention and communication policies must align with your jurisdiction's record-keeping requirements. We set this up correctly from the start.

Backup & RecoveryHow long must we retain client files and backups?

Retention requirements vary by jurisdiction and matter type, but most state bars require a minimum of 5–7 years for closed matter files. Your backup solution must support that retention window and be able to restore specific files on demand — not just full system restores.

Backup & RecoveryWhat happens if ransomware encrypts our case files?

With a clean, tested backup, recovery is possible — though disruptive. Without one, active case files, deadlines, and client communications could be permanently lost. We maintain encrypted, versioned backups specifically designed to recover individual files, not just entire systems.

Working with RAM-TechHow does RAM-Tech handle access to confidential client files?

Our access is limited to the infrastructure layer — servers, network, and endpoints. We do not access file contents as part of normal operations. When access is required for troubleshooting, it is logged, documented, and performed with the least privilege necessary.

Working with RAM-TechCan you support our document management system (DMS)?

Yes. We support integration and administration of common legal DMS platforms. If you use a specialized platform, we coordinate directly with the vendor to ensure your infrastructure supports it reliably and securely.

What we do for legal clients