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to troubleshoot passwords in order to access the documents they want, which is why passwords should be changed often. "Password vulnerability is the primary means for hackers to get into a server, so it's very important that they are changed," he says. Another way law firms and their clients often leave themselves suscep- tible to hacking is when an employee is terminated. In that circumstance, it is imperative that the firm advise its client that any and all passwords be radically changed as many employees who want to join a competitor will hack their for- mer employers' systems. Hayes also says any law firm or corporate client that outsources its technology services must thoroughly investigate the provider's background and credibility. "Many law firms and companies outsource some or all of their computer technology, so the vul- nerability could be within the service provider. But when you ask a company or law firm what they have done to vet their technology service provider, often their answer is not a heck of a lot," he says. "But any company or law firm has to make sure that the company they have hired for their technology services is credible and can provide secure ser- vices under any and all circumstances, and is up to date on all the violations that hackers can use to compromise valuable information." There are many law organizations that have information to help ensure the security of a law firm's computer sys- tem, such as the Lawyers' Professional Indemnity Company (LawPRO) and other provincial counterparts that can assist law firms with means to mini- mize any allegations of wrongdoing that would result in a lawsuit. Steve Rogers, a computer security expert with a company called Digital Evidence International Inc. in London, Ont., assists law firms with computer security and electronic discovery. The firm also does forensic analysis for law firms in the event they are hacked. He agrees that law firms are especially vulnerable to computer hacking due to the work that they do. "Even though law firms are very diligent at trying to make sure the security of their network is sufficient to protect the privacy of their clients, there are some very smart people out there who have the skill and ability to breach firewalls and hack into their systems and steal information that could be problematic," he says. Ultimately, law firms must be exceedingly diligent as a hacking inci- dent could have far-reaching and long- term ramifications for both the firms and their clients. "There are so many things that can go wrong for law firms if their system is breached," he says. "They need to have the best security and firewalls possible so this doesn't happen to them." With files from Robert Todd. Most lawyers aren't positioned to help business families. But we can tip the scales in your favor. Be certified with a program designed for experienced advisors working with family enterprise. The Family Enterprise Advisor Program augments your technical skills with a deeper understanding around business families and their unique challenges. Our multi-disciplinary approach will grow your skills—delivering better solutions to your existing clients while creating a niche for yourself in a marketplace with growing demand. Graduates of the program are well on their way to earning the Family Enterprise Advising (FEA) accreditation—the only designation of its kind. Programs begin January 2012 in Vancouver and Toronto. Register today. www.FamilyEnterpriseAdvisor.com UBC_CL_Sept11.indd 1 www.CANADIAN Lawyermag.com SEPTEMBER 2011 37 11-08-17 5:17 AM