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The mission statement for Clio is, “Transform the practice of law, for good.” Clio is arguably the leader in legal case and practice management software, but this motto is being echoed throughout the legal sector.

Lawyers have existed almost as long as mankind itself. For centuries, the profession has been known as an institution with a long and seemingly conservative tradition. Gradually, this is changing. Contemporary law firms are now using their intuitive understanding of business to influence technical innovation. This will greatly affect how legal companies behave in the future.

Why Are Law Firms Transforming?

As legal clients evolve, so do their expectations. Convenient solutions and immediate responses have become the norm in many sectors. Law firms have been encouraged to keep up, catch up, or be left behind. As the market for legal services changes, companies that provide efficient solutions will increasingly fill the void.

According to a study by the Georgetown Center for the Study of the Legal Profession, advancing technology will threaten law firms. It will allow clients to receive more complex advice from alternative providers than traditional firms generally offer. By investing in technology, legal companies are attempting to avoid this, and/or benefit from it. Additionally, they have a few things that make them particularly qualified. Things that most startup companies do not have, such as:

• Access to loyal clients
• Knowledge of legal industry needs
• Resources
• Skilled paralegals and assistants

Investing in technology is a response to the realization that they are uniquely positioned to capitalize on these developments.

Why Is the U.K. Leading the Way in Legal IT?

The U.S. has “Public Access to Court Electronic Records” (PACER). This provides nationwide, online access to U.S. Appellate, Bankruptcy, and District court documents and records. Most countries are not as transparent.

Without that system at their disposal, many U.K. firms have been developing their own systems for data analytics. This pushes them ahead of many U.S. firms in innovating and implementing technology.

What In-House IT Is Being Developed?

The recent trend has been for firms to develop IT solutions that focus on specific processes or that assess how the firm operates. These are used in-house to benefit the clients. They include technologies that track metrics to predict client retention or track employment disputes. Another example is the implementation of data management systems that integrate documents, records, and communication onto one platform.

Other innovative firms have built platforms like Pinpoint IP or Sentinel IP, which are patent analysis, management, and monitoring tools for intellectual property. These not only assess how a client’s portfolio compares to his or her competitors but also provides alerts if the patent is infringed upon.

Many new companies are unable to afford attorneys. Newly created records database tools provide a free online database of useful documents to assist young startup companies. These are just a few of the in-house IT solutions being developed.

How Are Law Firms Becoming Incubators?

It truly is a time of innovation in the legal sector. As some firms are developing specific technical products to benefit their sphere of influence, others are reaching higher. Through incubators, law firms are directing the creation and development of technology. Two of the largest and most influential incubators are Fuse and Nextlaw.

Fuse was launched by the U.K. firm of Allen & Overy. In addition to providing access to cutting-edge technologies, Fuse was developed to promote a “tech-focused mindset” in its lawyers. The first of its eight startups was Nivaura. Its platform streamlines the distribution and administration of financial tools through blockchain technology. Fuse’s other original startups include:

• Avvoka
• Corlytics
• Ithaca
• iManage
• Legatics
• Opus 2 International
• Vable

Fuse’s second cohort also includes Bloomsbury AI, Kira Systems, Neota Logic, Regnosys, and Signal Media. Nivaura team members are entrepreneurs-in-residence. They share business experience and advice to help guide the other companies in the incubator space.

The Dentons law firm has the most well-known innovators of this kind. It is responsible for the incubator Nextlaw Labs and its investment vehicle Nextlaw Ventures. Its 10 current startups include the following:

• Apperio
• Beagle
• Clause
• Doxly
• FileFacets
• Hire an Squire
• Libryo
• ProFinda
• Qualmet
• Ross

Previously, legal technology was created by individuals unfamiliar with the needs and intricacies of the legal sector. By having attorneys work directly with the IT startup companies, the resulting technology is built to specifically address those needs.

In Conclusion

In the 21^st century, the demand for tech is radically changing what it means to be a law firm.

In-house innovation and legal tech incubators are increasing in number. Some law firms are even looking toward expanding innovation outward. The push to develop better IT solutions for the legal industry has been almost overwhelming. Having attorneys lead the way is vital to the future of the field.

“We’re not in this for technology’s sake,” stated chairman of Fuse and partner at Allen & Overy, Jonathan Brayne. “We’re in this to solve problems.”

We’re Thinking Of You.

We hope you, your family and staff are all okay after the tornado that hit Ottawa/Gatineau last night. Our thoughts are with you if you’ve suffered any damage or tragedies.

If so, you’re probably overwhelmed with responsibilities. After ensuring that your family, friends, and staff are safe, you may need to deal with property damage. For this reason, we’ve included a list of tips that might come in handy to help you get your business back up and running.

• Be careful during any cleanup – wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and work gloves before entering your property.
• Save phone calls for emergencies as service may be limited. Use text messaging instead.
• Don’t enter damaged buildings until they’ve been deemed safe to enter by local authorities.
• Exercise extreme caution when walking through the damaged property. Avoid electrical wires that may be strewn about.
• Don’t use any spark-producing equipment and don’t smoke as there may be flammable gasses or liquids in the area.
• Don’t turn on any utilities without coordinating with your utility companies.
• Take photographs and videos of any damage and make a list of materials and labour you use to repair your property for insurance purposes.
• Request an advance payment from your insurance company to help you resume business operations.
• Track the hours your employees work to mitigate damage as opposed to their normal duties for insurance purposes.
• Contact government agencies for assistance and inform them if you will be undertaking any major restoration plans.
• Notify your clients, vendors and other business associates of your circumstances and maintain transparency as you restore operations to their fullest.

 

According to Statista, there were 184 million ransomware attacks in 2017 and the average ransomware demand is over $1,000. Individuals, organizations, and companies have fallen victim to these attacks. Most people recognize the fact that ransomware is a danger, but they may not realize that it can actually destroy their company. The recent closure of Colorado Timberline after a ransomware attack is a solemn reminder of the seriousness of the dangers of ransomware.

What Happened to Colorado Timberline?

Colorado Timberline, a printing company in Denver, was forced to cease operations for an unspecified amount of time after a severe cyber attack. A statement on their website dated September 12^th stated that they had been the victim of several recent cyber attacks, but the last – a ransomware attack – was something they would not be able to immediately recover from. The page that contained this statement no longer exists, but a similar statement was posted on their Facebook page:

Dear valued customers and suppliers of Colorado Timberline;

It is with great difficulty and a heavy heart that we must inform you that effective immediately Colorado Timberline has ceased all operations indefinitely.

We have recently been plagued by several IT events, unfortunately, we were unable to overcome the most recent Ransomware attack and as a result, this unfortunate and difficult decision was made.

We greatly appreciate the support and loyalty from each of you over the years.

Management of Colorado Timberline

Their Facebook page now lists them as permanently closed.

What Happened in the Ransomware Attack?

The data locker ransomware attack took place on the evening of August 14. The ransomware accessed their database server and encrypted the files it contained.

The issue that Colorado Timberline ran into, according to an explanatory post for their customers via their Facebook page, was that the hackers insisted that physical access to their files was necessary in order to obtain the encryption key even if the ransom were paid.

Colorado Timberline explained that it was not a matter of paying the ransom, but granting the hackers further access to their data was their greatest concern. Instead, they opted to make use of their data backups to restore the system and had their IT staff doing their best to extract as much data as possible from the encrypted database server.

This was not the first cyberattack that this company suffered, nor was it their last. Their Facebook page also indicated some issues on August 20^th that had brought down both their website and phone lines.

As of September 12th, the doors at its physical location had been locked and closure announcements were posted in both English and Spanish. In an unusual twist, they had apparently just launched a new website tool for orders the day before the close was announced.

About Colorado Timberline

Colorado Timberline’s LinkedIn Page indicates that they had between 200 and 500 employees and that they had been in business for five years. They specialized in printing, including vinyl, apparel, banners, glass etching, and large format applications. In 2017 they were acquired by two out-of-state companies and their owner left in May. What impact that may have had on the decision to cease operations is not known.

How Data Locker Ransomware Works

Data locker ransomware malware (also known as a crypto ransomware) gains access to a computer, then it begins to search through the file system to find data that would be of value to the victim. It stays hidden as it both searches for this data then encrypts it.

Once the encryption is complete, the malware alerts the user with a message announcing that data has been taken hostage and encrypted. It will indicate how the ransom is to be paid (usually in a type of cryptocurrency, ironically) and how long before the decryption key is destroyed and the data rendered useless.

The Dangers of Ransomware

Even if a business or organization does have a backup of the data that has been taken hostage, they most likely have not tested the backup system to be sure that it works. Furthermore, any delay in getting systems back on line can quickly cost money in terms of sales as well as potential customers. If word gets out that a company has fallen victim to a cyberattack, it can negatively impact their reputation. Customers are naturally reluctant to risk sharing their financial data with a company that has been compromised in the past.

Conclusion

The first wave of modern ransomware attacks began to take place in 2015, according to “The Evolution of Ransomware” published by Symantec. The history of ransomware, however, can be traced back to 1989 where the first target was healthcare data systems. Now any company with valuable data is a target for attack. And, as with any type of hacking activity, the methods for infecting a computer with ransomware are continually evolving and improving. It is important for every business and organization, small or large, to make sure their cybersecurity systems are powerful enough to protect them and up-to-date against the latest threats.

Microsoft Office, the software suite that gave us that blueprint for all other word processing software, Word, has gone to the Cloud. Office 365 (O365) offers a cloud-based alternative to the desktop Microsoft Office 2016. There are plans available for limited home or personal use, or professional business use. But the best part is the free educational version: Office 365 for Education.

What Is It?

A collection of the most used Office 365 applications completely free for education employees and students.

Includes:

• Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• OneNote
• Yammer
• SharePoint

Who’s Able To Use It?

Anyone with a current affiliation with an educational institution: faculty, staff, and students.

Eligibility

Must be enrolled in or working for a school. Anyone with a school-based email that can receive messages may subscribe for free. Former students or employees may still access a limited functionality version of the app that allows document viewing only.

Below are 28 Reasons To Start Using Office 365 For Education:

Access to a Trusted High-Quality Product

1. Most widely accepted word processor in use. Easier to teach to students and not much need to teach to educators. It doesn’t need to be “gotten used to.” Getting students familiar with this program prepares them better for college and the workforce later. They will encounter either Microsoft Suite or software that is extremely similar because offices use this software over all others.
2. Predictable save patterns. Users can set up a specific saving interval, save manually, or select auto-save just for emergencies. Contrast that with Google Docs, which defaults to automatically saving every time typing stops for more than a moment or two. A few errant keystrokes or a fight with a cat, and you’re out of luck.
3. Saves work in a reliable format even when saving as a PDF. Moving information across apps is easier when they’re all from the same platform too – everything is compatible.
4. Better spell check than most other paid programs (Microsoft 2016).
5. Has many options for formatting right in the program itself.
6. Online free or low-cost templates.
7. Tracks changes. You can see earlier versions of your document if you need to without using an add-on or extension.
8. Easy to migrate your files and preferences from your old versions of Office.

Portability

1. All of the applications on the free version are easily accessed and used from tablets, Chromebooks, and other limited use, low-storage devices commonly purchased by schools. With Office 365 and Office 365 for Education, there’s no clunky installation using up all of the memory on student devices.
2. Students can use it on their phones.
3. One TB of storage for each user, with options to purchase more.

Reliability

1. Microsoft has been in business for decades and has not only consistently improved the usability of its software, but also offers high quality training resources on its website.
2. User-friendly.
3. Familiar. Whether you’re aware or not, you have been using this software in many areas. The way that things work in Microsoft Office are the way things work nearly everywhere words appear on a screen. It’s familiar and appealing with intuitive actions.

Cloud Storage

1. Saves space…literally. Saving to the cloud means less hardware and fewer AC units.
2. Saves a salary. See above. Let Microsoft handle tech inquiries and storage issues while your edtech team focuses on training and troubleshooting.
3. Limited functionality setting for former students and employees allows for document viewing. Everything is stored on the cloud and therefore accessible wherever – even after a student graduates.
4. Automatic upgrades! But without imaging, inserting disks, or resetting your computer to accept changes, because with O365 you are never installing anything. When the time comes to upgrade, this is done automatically and there doesn’t need to be a whole technology roll-out from IT. It’s just done.
5. Ultimate portability – finally a trusted product that can be accessed for free from any internet-ready computer. Just add an internet connection. And a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or some device that’s not even on the market yet, like VR Slime 3D!
6. Sign up your school and add new users.
7. Free, helpful training and information program. Promotional kits get the word out and training videos online get everyone using the app to its fullest potential.
8. Option to upgrade for some or all by just using the paid version of Microsoft 365. Staff and maybe a computer lab available for students to use when the full Office Suite is required. For instance, maybe you have the free version for most of the school’s users, with special lab access for the paid versions. In the rare instance that a subject requires the full suite, it’s much easier to pay for a handful of licenses for one year or so to cover that class or office, rather than to install a paid program that is primarily used only for word processing anyway, on every computer in the school.

Scalability

1. It takes only minutes to sign someone up as a new user as opposed to installing the program every time someone needs it or automatically installing Office 2016 on a bunch of computers whether or not someone uses it (a clear waste of resources).
2. Cloud still saves documents and projects as view or read only after an employee or student leaves the school.

Training And Advertisement

1. Free Promotional Kits are available to educators who have signed up their schools for O365 so you can get the word out about the new software and its features!
2. Collaboration. Applications such as Yammer and Sharepoint give teams a way to share work and communicate more effectively than email.
3. Microsoft Office for Educators Page. Such a helpful, cool resource. Offers tons of video tutorials and other training materials, as well as opportunities to share with other educators what you’re doing in your classroom.

Interoperability Even With BYOD

1. Microsoft Office is now available on the Mac and other Apple products! So even the occasional square Macintosh peg in a round Microsoft hole can communicate with others. Great for BYOT schools who run into interoperability issues.

Just Try It Out – It’s Free!

Now that Office 365 for Educators is available for free, there is no longer a compelling reason to waste money or waste digital and literal space. Try it on a limited basis at first to see if the program will work for you. It’s not a trial, so there’s no pressure to make a decision right away. If you feel that you need more than the limited version offers, purchase a plan that suits your needs and use the free version for instances where the comprehensive suite isn’t needed. It’s probably one of the easiest EdTech decisions you’ll make this year.

Available Applications On O365 vs. O365 For Education
Office 365 (O365) Paid Version	Office 365 For Education
Cloud Based (non-desktop) version of the most recent Microsoft Office Suite	Free version of Office 365. Also in the cloud (not for the desktop). Has fewer features than O365 but is free to eligible members of the educational community.
Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel PowerPoint OneNote Outlook SharePoint Exchange Online OneDrive Publisher Microsoft Access Skype for Business InfoPath Microsoft Teams Paid Subscription (Various Plans available; increased/unlimited storage begins after five paid subscriptions)	Word Excel PowerPoint OneNote Yammer SharePoint

 

As more advanced technology continues to work its way into the daily activities in many law offices, it becomes increasingly important that lawyers keep up. Larger digital files, more complex platforms, along with a need to stay in communication mean that newer phones with improved functions are a must. Fortunately, Apple remains on the frontlines of digital innovation.

With frequent updates, many attorneys may wonder how important it is to upgrade to a newer model. As client demand for modern techniques rises, it is beneficial for contemporary offices to take note. The iPhone XS and XS Max offer many features that would be helpful to lawyers in large firms or small practices. From a larger display to larger storage, here are a few of the ways in which the most recent generation of iPhone can improve your legal practice.

Why Would a Larger Display Be Beneficial?

Larger displays provide an improved experience when reading important legal documents. More information is visible at the same time while the content is also enlarged for easier viewing.

The iPhone XS has the same screen dimensions as the iPhone X, which was the largest available at its inception. The difference is in the size of the phone’s body. The XS has a considerably smaller bezel than previous versions.

However, the XS Max is the same size as the iPhone X. With the same screen to body ratio as the XS, the iPhone XS Max has the largest screen to date. It is 6.5-inches and features the highest resolution at 2688 x 1242 pixels.

What Impact Will the Changes in Battery Life and Charging Have?

With such a busy schedule, most attorneys and legal support staff prefer not to be tied via phone cord to a power outlet. Fortunately, the iPhone XS and XS Max offer up to 20 hours of talk time and between 12 and 13.5 hours of Internet use. This is 30 minutes over that provided by the iPhone X for the XS and 90 for the XS Max. In fact, Apple is referring to the battery as the “biggest battery yet in an iPhone.”

Also convenient are the charging options. They can be wirelessly charged on a Qi charging pad. Additionally, they are compatible with accessories that are able to charge the devices up to 50-percent in about 30 minutes.

How Will the New Processor Be an Improvement Over Earlier Options?

Both the iPhone XS and XS Max feature what are likely the first 7-nanometer chips included in a smartphone. Called the A12 Bionic, it is Apple’s next generation of processor.

The 15-percent speed increase over A11 is provided by two high-performance central processing unit (CPU) cores. A 50-percent improvement in energy efficiency is obtained from the four low-power CPU cores. Additionally, the graphics performance is improved by 50-percent due to the four graphics processing unit (GPU) cores.

How Would the Increased Memory Help a Lawyer?

One of the primary perks that would benefit attorneys would be the enormous increase in internal storage space that iPhone XS and XS Max provide. The iPhone X had what was considered a respectful amount at 64 GB. iPhone XS and XS Max are both offered with internal storage amounts of 64 GB, 256 GB, and a whopping 512 GB.

As technology continues to increasingly be used in the legal field, associates require larger storage space in smartphones. This enables them to stay connected and work via digital platforms virtually anywhere. It allows them to get more work done while still spending less time in the office.

What Is the Benefit of an Improved Camera and Security?

The iPhone XS and XS Max boast revolutionary “High dynamic Range” (HDR) imaging. This technology uses multiple images to create a more detailed photograph than older models had the capacity for. They also feature the following:

• Dual-rear camera system
• 12 mega-pixels
• Telephoto capability
• Wide-angle capability
• Optical image stabilization

The video capabilities include an extended dynamic range, as well as stereo recording. These would be beneficial for recording interviews of clients and witnesses.

Additionally, Apple’s TrueDepth Camera System ensures that unlocking the phone will be faster and more consistent than previous versions. Its improved algorithm means that the XS and XS Max are also more secure. Using a faster and safer device keeps digital information at a lawyer’s fingertips without fear of a security breach.

In Conclusion

With a starting price of $999 and $1,099 respectively, the iPhone XS and XS Max have pre-order dates in September 2018. They are available in the colors of silver, gold, and space-grey. This generation of smartphones has a frame made from “surgical-grade” stainless steel and improved water-resistance. Therefore, one might consider that this is the last phone he or she will ever need, but that is just not how the technology works. For busy attorneys, these phones do provide better storage and faster access to apps.

First, let’s get something straight: CIPA compliance is a prerequisite for receiving E-Rate funding discounts to pay for communications services like internet connections and (for now) Voice Services. If you are not asking for E-Rate, then CIPA does not apply to you. Period.

The reason for this is that it is a violation of First Amendment rights to mandate filtering of online materials across the board wherever a minor under the age of 17 may be using the internet at a public institution. Proponents of CIPA had tried and failed to pass similar legislation due to the potential restrictions on free speech. Linking the Children’s Internet Protection Act to funding eligibility frees the Act to set requirements that are otherwise unconstitutional.

CIPA Doesn’t Apply To These Situations And Institutions Either

Telecommunications for Schools and Libraries do not have to be compliant. In this case, the definition of a “minor” is a person under the age of 17. Additionally, as of 2012, public libraries do not need to follow CIPA guidelines, as doing so poses a threat to the free exercise of First Amendment rights by majority age internet users.

E-Rate

E-Rate discounts can be between 20-90% off of services and products related to using and maintaining internet services. The Universal Services Agency Company (USAC) processes all E-Rate requests and submissions. Their website outlines how and when to apply, as well as providing a training schedule for applicants and service providers.

Every year the FCC’s Eligible Services List is updated and available before the Form 471 filing window opens.

Keep checking the USAC.org website or sign up for updates in order to stay in the loop!

USAC

The Universal Service Administrative Company has been contracted by the FCC to manage all E-Rate Applications. School or library Administrative Authorities certify their institution’s enforcement of an internet safety policy that includes mechanisms that block or filter internet access to objectionable materials.

Administrative Authority Responsibilities:

1) Ensure compliance with the requirements of CIPA;

2) Certify actions undertaken in order to bring the school or library into compliance. For example, any necessary procurement procedures to comply with the requirements of CIPA; or

3) Waive CIPA requirements as the authority has determined that CIPA does not apply because the school is receiving discounts for telecommunications services only.

CIPA Requirements (excerpted from the application section of usac.org)

1. Internet Safety Policy
Schools and libraries are required to adopt and enforce an internet safety policy that includes a technology protection measure that protects against access by adults and minors to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or – with respect to use of computers with internet access by minors – harmful to minors. “Minor” is defined as any individual who is under the age of 17.

2. Technology Protection Measure
A technology protection measure is a specific technology that blocks or filters internet access.

The school or library must enforce the operation of the technology protection measure during the use of its computers with Internet access, although an administrator, supervisor, or other person authorized by the authority with responsibility for administration of the school or library may disable the technology protection measure during use by an adult to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. For example, a library that uses internet filtering software can set up a process for disabling that software upon request of an adult user through use of a sign-in page where an adult user can affirm that he or she intends to use the computer for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

CIPA uses the federal criminal definitions for obscenity and child pornography.

Decisions about what matter is inappropriate for minors are made by the local community. E-rate Program rules specify that “[a] determination regarding matter inappropriate for minors shall be made by the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority responsible for making the determination.”

3. Public Notice and Hearing or Meeting
The authority with responsibility for administration of the school or library must provide reasonable public notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address a proposed technology protection measure and Internet safety policy. For private schools, public notice means notice to their appropriate constituent group.

Additional meetings are not necessary – even if the policy is amended – unless those meetings are required by state or local rules or the policy itself.

Definitions

Harmful to minors: Defined as “any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that – (i) taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion; (ii) depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and (iii) taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.”

Administrative Authority: The entity that must make the relevant certification for the purposes of CIPA.

Potential School Administrative Authorities

• school board
• school district
• local educational agency
• other authority responsible for athe dministration of a school

Potential Library Administrative Authorities

• library
• library board
• other authority with responsibility for administration of the library

New For 2019

As of FY2019, Voice Services will no longer be eligible. That means any voice service, including VoIP, voicemail, and hard lines.

While the CIPA requirements make intuitive sense, the E-Rate process requires attention to detail. Applicants and service providers must wade hip-deep in bureaucratic alphabet soup. The reading is dull while at times being confusing. Consider hiring a temporary worker or contractor, or temporarily re-assigning a staff-person to the task in that first funding year at least. While the potential to get 90% off of services is clearly worth it, the amount of time and effort requires planning.

 

A compromised endpoint gives hackers everything they need to get a foothold in your security network. Once there, they can steal data and potentially hold it for ransom. That’s why it’s so important for business owners to secure their critical endpoints (including desktops, servers, and laptops). Otherwise, you could be leaving the front door wide open to hackers.

Today’s attackers have learned how to bypass traditional antivirus software by using file-less attacks. These types of attacks can hide within sanctioned applications or even within the operating system. Even if you’re vigilant about installing antivirus updates and patching, your organization may still be at risk.

What Are Endpoints?

Endpoints in networks are computer hardware items within the TCP/IP connections, which may include desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablet devices, printers, meters, terminals, smartphones and mobile devices, clients, and other forms of hardware.

Endpoint protection (EPP) has evolved to encompass code-based hacking, but the approach is often not adopted as organizations chose to use a legacy solution due to convenience or a lack of sufficient familiarity. Online sources including MSSP report this is common, but improvements in EPP will lead to more mainstream adoption. Meanwhile, current users may find that their existing network and operational variables demand some kind of improvement.

What Should I Know About Current Endpoint Security Risks?

One sign of a demand for improvement is continuing to use an antivirus program operating on a signature base. This form of technology is considered to be too slow to keep up with so-called ‘zero day attacks,’ or malware programs that are integrated with other coding. Users should expect potential vulnerability with such programming, and devices that are not updated daily are considered vulnerable to ongoing malware threats. Additionally, signature sets (lists of operational protocol) can become so large that they run into the limit issue, leading legacy vendors to drop them, which creates a demand for new solutions that do not use signatures.

Another potential reason you may need to address your EPP is the increase in ‘ransomware’ attacks. Ransomware, hacks designed to block user access until funds are provided to the hacker, has become increasingly destructive in the past few years. All it takes is one careless user who clicks on a link in an email, and your entire database could be locked until the ransom is paid.

Demands for improved management of antivirus software and continuing to use on-site antivirus management servers may also be grounds for improving EPP. You should be able to manage your entire antivirus system from your cloud, and if you cannot, you should consider updating and improving your system. Meanwhile, however, you should take care to ensure that any increased internet connectivity involved with a system improvement does not involve increased vulnerability. If you are able to manage your antivirus system from your cloud, but it does not seem to be sufficiently organized or efficient, you may benefit from substantial restructuring.

Other practical reasons for investment in End Point Protection integrations or improvements include a developed distrust of your current system. Directly targeting EPP can be more efficient and effective.

If you are still doing regular background scans, or your new machines seem slower than you think they should be, you may want to consider improving your EPP. The newer generations of antiviral protection do not require background scanning. Traditional processes for security may be insufficient in addressing the range of possible endpoint attacks.

What is Current In Research And Development?

Many software and strategy developments have taken place to address relevant needs. Amid a range of scholarly and professional research efforts, several patents have been developed in an attempt to optimize a range of relevant security functions and features.

A patent for automated configuration has been developed to optimize efficiency, using a client security application for an EPP system capable of selecting configuration based on the state of the network. The application can then be used to run security processes managed through the configuration.

Another patent has been developed for scalable cloud-based EPP, which allows users to maintain security policies based on endpoint combinations. Configuration and command information is entered and transmitted with an API server. The endpoint then maintains communication with it in ongoing security processes.

Another recent patent has been designed for relevant structures, processes, and operational systems for End Point Protection. Examples of content in this patent include an execution system based on inputs passed to execution only following a separate validation process, and a security structure based on multiple processors and communication channels.

Such developments are expected to become increasingly available and integrated in improved software and technologies over time.

What’s The Bottom Line?

• EPP improvements may be demanded for many essential reasons
• Many additional indirectly relevant factors are also important to consider
• Recent developments show potential for further improvements

Microsoft is offering an early version of the new Outlook on the web for you to sample. If you open your Outlook Live Mail Inbox, in the top right corner, you should see a “Try the new Outlook” toggle. By clicking the toggle, you’ll open new Outlook on the web modules for Mail, Calendar, and People. Microsoft gives you the option to try it out and go back and forth to the different versions by simply clicking the toggle.

What’s in the New Version?

As with all change, the adjustment can take a little time, but more often than not, Microsoft makes changes that improve the use of their products and services in the long run. Let’s take a look at some of the new updates to help your navigation and adjustment to the new version of Outlook go smoother.

Files and Images are Easier to Find

Nothing is more frustrating than digging around in your email trying to find a file that a colleague or client has sent to you. The new Outlook on the web has made finding files and images much easier. Located on the bottom left you will see a file icon. When you click on the icon only emails that have files attached to them are listed for you. If you are specifically looking for an attached file that is an image, you can narrow your search by clicking on images once you are in the file’s module.

Eliminating the hassle of looking for a file in your inbox is a pretty big deal. Now file finding doesn’t need to be a time-consuming exercise anymore. Make sure you take advantage of the Files module that Microsoft has added in the new Outlook on the web.

Searching for Emails Quickly

Now, with Microsoft’s newest version, Outlook predicts what you’ll be searching for based on your most recent conversations and the customers and team members with whom you communicate and interact the most. The advantage of using all of the Microsoft 365 tools on a daily basis is Microsoft’s advancement in technology gives them the edge by anticipating your moves as you make them. The new intelligent search window will help you find the email you need faster and easier.

Event Creation Simplified in Calendar

You can now quickly add events to your calendar with updated event icons, so you can identify events and see location suggestions to get address details. These eye-catching icons will assist you in recognizing the event before you read all the details of the event. The added visual helps the user in keeping track of their busy schedule with these newly designed event icons.

Outlook’s Suggested Replies

The new Outlook incorporates its intelligent technology to your email by saving you energy and time. The new version will suggest replies that you can click on to quickly respond when you don’t need to type an elaborate response. For example, when your boss gives you a new task, one of the suggested replies could be, “I’m on it.” Click on it, and the email automatically sends the reply in seconds without you having to even click send.

The All-inclusive Add-in Feature

The new Outlook on the web has streamlined how you retrieve add-ins by giving you more control to what you use the most. Outlook add-ins are simply your favorite apps that Outlook allows you to add to your inbox, giving you the ability to accomplish tasks faster. You can save an email straight to your notebook, translate emails quickly, and even pay bills and receive payments with the add-ins. All the popular apps, such as Evernote, Gfycat, Boomerang, MojiLaLa Microsoft Translator, PayPal, GIPHY, and Trello can be added to your inbox.

Better Techniques to Manage Your Groups

Office 365 Groups help you with your group-based collaboration. This service is a vital part of many teams that use Outlook. The new Outlook on the web has improved its current features by offering speedier and easier group creation abilities, richer and sleeker business group cards, and a more user-friendly group email triage. The new version also has some great features such as a group Files view that spotlights group managing in the People module, as well as the latest file actions.

Favorites Stick Out Front and Center

Although many work emails are important, there are those specific emails that you can’t miss. An email from your boss or an important client are both examples of emails that you might want to read right away. The Favorites feature is made for those important messages. You can add specific folders, people, or categories to your Favorites to keep them front and center for your attention.

To learn more about the features included in Outlooks early version, click HERE.

What Is Phishing?

Phishing is the act of sending phony emails to people for the purpose of tricking them into revealing their user name and password. The sender pretends to represent an organization that has a viable reason to make an information request. For instance, you might get a genuine-looking email that looks just like it’s from Paypal. The sender will be claiming that there’s something wrong with your Paypal account. They want you to click on their link and go to your Paypal site and then log in and change your password or some other action.

Should you follow their instructions? No! These are cyber thieves trying to get your personal and financial information. Their goal is to steal from you. Hacking has become big business around the globe.

Microsoft Office 365: How It Works

Office 365 is a longstanding software package developed by Microsoft. It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other commonly used software applications that are used in business. Office 365, unlike previous versions of these applications, operates through yearly subscriptions. Updates are performed regularly. You have access to the latest programs so you can work more efficiently both at home and in the office.

There are good reasons to operate under a yearly subscription plan using these programs. They’re always current and up-to-date and you never have to worry about maintenance issues. Office 365 is available for phones, tablets, computers and you can work from anywhere there’s an internet connection. Microsoft has consistently created the best security programs and systems to guard its products from hackers. And yet, cyber thieves are finding ways around these security protocols.

What Potential Is There For Phishing Scams?

Any hacker can potentially claim that they represent Microsoft. These thieves have been able to replicate an authentic email very well. People who are not paying attention might fall for one of these phony emails. These hackers can sound like they have a viable reason to request information or actions that could place the account holder at risk.

Using good business imagery and closely matching email addresses, recipients may be fooled. Hackers can easily cut and paste company logos into these emails to make them even more convincing. Meanwhile, users that fail to take a second look may be fooled. They can inadvertently reveal log-in information, credit card numbers, or banking information.

Can Hackers Get Around Microsoft’s Security Features?

Recently, hackers have been using certain phishing methods to bypass the current Safe Links security features found in Office 365 software. Safe Links have been a basic aspect of the organization’s Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) program, which has been helping to protect businesses from receiving damaging links that are sent through phishing.

These links scan the URL in attempt to match it to those entered into a stored blacklist, notifying the user of detections. By using tags in HTML headers, hackers have been able to bypass the detection of harmful listings.

Many users of Outlook have been affected by this approach, and while Gmail’s security has evolved well enough to avoid these kinds of bypasses, similar updates are recommended for Microsoft. SecurityWeek explained that users now have the capacity to block URLs on gateways. While this has helped prevent attacks, software developers will be required to address all these new threats as they design their software programs.

Microsoft has been updating aspects of its security to increasingly protect against the improvements of phishing and hacking actions. Along with their central ATP features, which allow users to customize their account settings, users can create their own system-tailored anti-phishing policy. It will update across the range of datacenters within 30 minutes of activation.

These help but there is now a full range of phishing attack types, including ‘spearfishing’ and ‘whaling.’ These both target specific individuals in an organization—normally someone in a high position such as CEO and CFO.

One of the problems with Office 365 security is that ATP is not available with the basic subscription. Users must purchase the security feature or a different version of the software in order to get the best protection against the latest hacking schemes. Once the additional protection is purchased, users should optimize the wide range of settings available within advanced ATP features to get the best security.

According to The Hacker News, cyber theives have been adding words hidden to the user, reducing their font size to zero, in efforts to make phishing emails appear normal to security code while bypassing its detection features. This method has been used to improve the potential and frequency of phishing scams. There’s now a greater demand for updated security features that are able to detect writing with a font size of 0.

CSO reported that there has been an increase in phishing scam types, and while the zero-font method may be addressed with security code improvements, another type of bypass method will likely be developed by hackers.

What Should I Do?

Microsoft recommends that users follow common practices in addition to optimizing program features to best protect against hacking scams. These may include:

• Learn about ATP and its advanced features and security upgrades.
• Establish an optimized ATP policy for your business.
• Learn about ATP anti-phishing policy options.
• Set up an ATP anti-phishing policy that addresses your company’s distinct needs.
• Research and upgrade security options and features as needed.
• Continue to follow statistics and trends regarding hacking and the efforts of cyber-thieves.

Discipline, honor, tradition, and excellence—these could previously be described as the foundation of the legal profession. After decades of consistency, however, the field of law is experiencing an extensive transformation with far-reaching effects. For better or worse, much of this has been attributed to the millennial generation: those individuals born between the early 1980s and 2000.

In the TIME article titled: “The Me Me Me Generation,” Millennials are described in the following way:

“They’re narcissistic. They’re lazy. They’re coddled. They’re even a bit delusional. Those aren’t just unfounded negative stereotypes about 80 million Americans born roughly between 1980 and 2000. They’re backed up by a decade of sociological research.”

However, other research has suggested that this generation is responding to an evolving world defined in part by rapid technological changes. Millennials have become the largest generation wielding a projected spending power of $1.4 trillion by 2020. Attorneys and law firms that wish to succeed in the future should take note of these current trends, which are anticipated to continue.

How Have Millennials Changed the Legal Landscape?

There are many ways that this demographic has influenced changes in how most business is done. This includes business conducted within the legal profession. These changes are evident in response to millennial members of the legal profession, as well as clients of that age group.

First, perhaps above everything, Millennials appreciate the flexibility. They prefer using technology that allows them to work remotely and set their own hours. Billable hours, routine, and face-to-face interactions are less of a priority.

Second, members of this generation require frequent feedback. Whether as a client or a colleague, they prefer platforms where they can monitor progress. Associates also want a clear view of how they are performing in real time.

Third, Millennials value information. They are more likely to want to know the “big picture” rather than being satisfied to just follow protocol. They want to know “why” certain practices are in place. Additionally, they are likely to research employers, colleagues, and clients, etc. A quick google search helps them to determine which firm to hire or work for.

In What Ways Did the Information Age Change the Way Data is Managed?

Rather than file cabinets full of hard-copy documents, and legal teams scrambling to find them, today’s law offices depend more heavily on digital platforms. With the enormous volume of data in a variety of formats, it has become increasingly more important for law offices to take advantage of cutting-edge technology.

Contemporary online data management rooms handle PDFs of paper documents, electronic documents, emails, social-media postings, and text messages. Innovative technologies allow small firms to compete with larger companies like never before. A few of the most popular include the following:

• Artificial intelligence
• Cloud computing
• Predictive coding
• Platforms

This results in lower overhead and less expensive services for clients. What lawyers give up in billable hours, they make up in quantity.

Why Are Online Communities Being Created?

Attorneys have always depended on communities to mentor each other, share insights, make cross-referrals, and find clients. Today, lawyers who wish to succeed in the legal profession are building and/or joining communities online.

Communities like LawyerSmack—previously LawyerSlack—are increasingly becoming the go-to locations for brainstorming, mentoring, sharing files, and engaging in discussions with colleagues. Intended for use by individuals and teams, they can be used across a variety of platforms and devices.

LawyerSmack, in particular, can also be integrated with the following apps and services:

• Giphy
• Skype
• Trello
• Uber, etc.

Although social media venues like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter still have a place in legal marketing, communities like LawyerSmack provide much more.

How Is Virtual Reality Being Used in the Legal Sector?

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are among the most highly anticipated and intriguing technological advances. These will potentially find a place in the courtroom, as well. In recent years, evidentiary rules have begun to accommodate technology in a variety of ways. Examples include the introduction of DNA evidence and videotaped depositions being entered as evidence.

Additional ways VR and AR could be used in the legal sector are with the presentation of evidence. It would be possible for crime scenes to be virtually recreated and presented to jurors. Another method would be to use a drone with a small camera to show the crime scene and surrounding areas in real-time.

In the not-too-distant future, it is not unrealistic to envision trials occurring with the assistance of virtual reality technology. Jurors could remotely participate in a trial, and even deliberate with other members of the jury over an online platform.

In Conclusion

The legal profession has a history of being rather conservative. Recent trends, however, indicate that is no longer practical. Online formats continue to alter how communities are built and data is managed and shared. VR and AR will become more prevalent in the courtroom. In fact, as technology becomes an inevitable tool in the modern law firm, it is increasingly important for attorneys to embrace it or risk being left behind.