This is why you need to encrypt your client files.
If the data on that hard drive was encrypted, rather than sitting out there for anyone to see, the headline might have been entirely different. All the thief would be able to see would be a file, partition, or drive full of gobbledygook (that’s a technical term). Encrypt your law firm data.
At the same time, reconsider carefully the data you do hold onto. Do you really need your client’s social security number or driver’s license number? If you do, you had better encrypt that information and keep any paper copies under lock and key. It will take more than a simple log-in password to escape liability in a case like this, I think.
Sam Glover has been writing about law practice technology, management, marketing, and other stuff on Lawyerist since 2007. He consults on appeals and motion practice in his solo practice. When he isn't blogging or lawyering, Sam drinks espresso and plays with fountain pens.
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Any thoughts on Linux encryption?
I use TrueCrypt on Linux, as well. The GUI doesn’t have the same capabilities, but you can run everything you need from the command line. Since I dual boot, I use the same encrypted files in both Ubuntu Linux and Windows XP.
Here are my del.icio.us links on installing TrueCrypt in Ubuntu: http://www.delicious.com/50words/truecrypt
I’ve been using terminal services and accessing the data via a cell card integrated with my dell laptop for 2 years now. This way there is no information on my laptop and I can use the cheapest one around as all the processing power is in the server. I don’t understand why this solution is not mandatory for people that use confidential information.