I'm Off to a Conference! ✈️ 10 Essential Tech Tips for Lawyers Attending Professional Conferences!

Don’t forget to maintain your computer’s security when you attend public conferences!

I’m off to this year’s 2024 Lex Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah! As a lawyer attending professional conferences, whether it's for the American Bar Association, State Bar Associations, or Law Practice Management events, staying connected and secure is crucial. Here are some key tech considerations to keep in mind:

Secure Your Connection

When using free conference Wi-Fi, always connect through a VPN (Virtual Private Network). This encrypts your internet traffic, protecting sensitive client information and your personal data from potential eavesdroppers on the public network.

Guard Your Devices

Never leave your laptop, tablet, or smartphone unattended in conference rooms, even for a quick break. If you must step away, lock your screen or shut down completely. Additionally, ensure all your devices are password-protected in case of loss or theft.

Power Management

Don't count on having access to power outlets during sessions. Not all conferences provide extension cords for attendees. Bring a fully charged portable battery pack and consider a laptop with long battery life. If you do find an outlet, be courteous and share with fellow attendees.  Don’t forget to bring a surge protector with both single and multiple outlets (to share with your neighbors) to protect your tech from a power surge – you don’t want to your tech fried!

Some helpful tips when lawyers are attending conferences!

Strategic Seating

If you plan to work during sessions, choose your seat wisely. Look for spots near power outlets (if available) and with a clear view of presenters. End-of-row seats can provide easy access without disturbing others (PS: My favorite seat! 

Silent Mode

Always silence your devices before sessions begin. Nothing disrupts a presentation more than unexpected rings, dings, or notification sounds. Consider using vibrate mode for important alerts.

Digital Networking

Prepare for efficient contact exchanges. Have digital business cards ready through apps like Linq, or familiarize yourself with your smartphone's built-in contact-sharing features (like Apple's AirDrop for iPhone users).

Cloud Backup

Before the conference, ensure all your important files are backed up to a secure cloud service. This provides peace of mind and allows access to crucial documents if your device is lost or damaged.

Two-Factor Authentication

techNOLOGY SECURITY IS PARAMOUnt in public even when you are among a group of lawyers! 🙃

Enable two-factor authentication on all your accounts, especially email and cloud storage. This adds an extra layer of security if your device falls into the wrong hands. 

Update Everything

Before leaving for the conference, update your devices' operating systems, antivirus software, and all applications. This ensures you have the latest security patches and features.

Privacy Screens

Consider using a privacy screen protector for your laptop and mobile devices. These prevent visual hacking by limiting the viewing angle of your screen – particularly useful in crowded conference settings.

By following these tech tips, you can focus on networking, learning, and representing your firm professionally without worrying about tech mishaps or security breaches. Remember, in the legal profession, protecting client confidentiality extends beyond the office – it's crucial even at professional events.

Stay tech-savvy, secure, and make the most of your conference experience!

🤗

Stay tech-savvy, secure, and make the most of your conference experience! 🤗

Happy Lawyering and Happy Learning!

Monday Morning Humor: "I'm Not A Robot" Verification Nightmare! 😈

This just ads to the frustration of “I’m not a robot” verification!

Lawyers, as our profession is known for being a stickler for details, ever find yourself stuck on CAPTCHA puzzles, scrutinizing each pixel to ensure there's no hidden traffic light? You're not alone! As tech-savvy lawyers, our overthinking skills are top-notch. This image hilariously captures our relentless attention to detail – because who else would triple-check for rogue traffic light slivers?

BOLO: Increased Solar Storms: A Potential Disruption for Lawyers!

Lawyers need to prepare their office tech for the increase of solar flares this year!

Recent solar disturbances have raised concerns about potential impacts on various aspects of modern life, including the legal profession. Lately, the sun has been exhibiting heightened activity, leading to powerful solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These solar disturbances can trigger geomagnetic storms that may disrupt various technologies we rely on daily.  Such intense flares can impact radio communications, electric power grids, and navigation signals and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts.

While solar storms are not uncommon, the current solar cycle is expected to reach its peak activity in 2024 and 2025. Experts predict an increased likelihood of severe geomagnetic storms, classified as G5 events, during this period.  So, what does this mean for the legal profession?

Potential Impacts on Legal Professionals

As lawyers, we heavily rely on technology for communication, research, document management, and court proceedings. A significant solar storm could potentially disrupt these essential tools and workflows.  Here are some examples:

lawyers can reduce the anxiety in their life by preparing their technology for the potential disruptions from Solar flares!

• Communication Disruptions: Solar storms can interfere with radio and satellite communications, affecting email, video conferencing, and phone systems. This could hinder communication with clients, colleagues, and courts.

• Power Grid Instability: Intense geomagnetic storms can induce currents in power lines, potentially damaging transformers and causing widespread power outages. Prolonged blackouts could severely impact law firm operations and court proceedings.

• Navigation System Failures: Solar storms can disrupt GPS and other satellite navigation systems, making it challenging for lawyers to attend court hearings, client meetings, or navigate to remote locations.

• Data and Document Access Issues: If power outages or communication disruptions occur, accessing online legal databases, cloud-based document management systems, and electronic case files could become problematic.

Preparing for Potential Disruptions

While the likelihood of a severe solar storm is uncertain, it's crucial for legal professionals to be proactive and have contingency plans in place:

• Contingency Planning: Developing comprehensive contingency plans for critical processes can help minimize disruptions. This includes having manual processes as backups for essential digital tasks and ensuring all team members are trained on these procedures.

• Data Backup: Regularly backing up data using multiple methods (cloud storage and physical backups) ensures that even if one system fails due to a surge or outage caused by geomagnetic activity, another can step in to prevent data loss. Don’t forget my “3-2-1” data backup strategy!

lawyers can take some proactive measures to secure their client’s information, office technology and their ethical responsibilties!

• Infrastructure Protection: Investing in surge protection devices and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) can safeguard sensitive electronic equipment from sudden spikes in voltage during geomagnetic storms.

• Staying Informed: Monitoring space weather forecasts provided by organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center enables firms to anticipate significant events and take preventative measures accordingly.

• Client Communication: Legal professionals should maintain open lines of communication with clients about potential risks to their cases or information due to technological disruptions from solar activity.

By being aware of the potential impacts of solar storms and taking proactive measures, lawyers can minimize disruptions to our practice and better serve their clients during these rare but potentially disruptive events.

Happy Lawyering!

BOLO: Locked Out Of Your Apple Account Last Weekend? You're Not Alone!

Be wary of unsolicted requests to “reset” your password!

Over the past weekend or perhaps on Monday morning, Lawyers who use Apple products may have found themselves locked out of their Apple account. Don't worry, you are not alone.

The internet noted a surge in Apple users being asked to reset their passwords. I was one of them.  Instinctively, I was concerned that the request was sort of spam - I hadn't changed my password or done anything I thought may have triggered a rest.  This situation is frustrating as you have to go back into the recesses of your mind and ask yourself, "did I make a mistake?" or "am I being hacked?" Then you have to go through a litany of resets not just on your devices but sometimes in some of your application accounts that rely on that password.  But why is this happening? 😡

The phenomenon of getting locked out of an Apple account can be as perplexing as it is frustrating for users. This issue, surprisingly common, stems from a variety of reasons rooted in Apple's commitment to safeguarding user privacy and security. Understanding these reasons can provide insights into the complexities of digital security and the measures companies like Apple take to protect user data.

One primary reason users find themselves locked out is due to incorrect password entries. Apple's security protocols are stringent; entering a wrong password multiple times triggers a lockout mechanism designed to protect against unauthorized access attempts. This feature reflects the delicate balance between user convenience and the necessity of securing personal information against potential cyber threats.

Nothing indces panic more than when you are locked out of your account due to a “password reset” issue!!! 😬

Another significant factor contributing to account lockouts is suspicious activity detection. Apple monitors accounts for unusual behavior that could indicate a security breach, such as logging in from an unfamiliar location or device, making unauthorized purchases, or attempting to change sensitive account information without proper authentication. When such activities are detected, Apple may lock the account as a precautionary measure until the rightful owner can verify their identity.

The activation lock feature on iOS devices also plays a crucial role in this context. Designed to deter theft and unauthorized use, this feature requires users to enter their Apple ID and password after resetting an iOS device or attempting to deactivate Find My iPhone. Users who forget their credentials or acquire a second-hand device without having the previous owner remove theirs can find themselves unable to access their device entirely.

Furthermore, outdated or compromised account details contribute significantly to this issue. Users who neglect to update their email addresses or security questions might struggle with recovery options when trying to regain access to their accounts. Similarly, if an Apple ID becomes compromised due to phishing scams or data breaches on other platforms where similar login credentials were used, users might be locked out as part of Apple's response to suspicious account activity.

Lastly, compliance with legal requests can result in account deactivation or restriction. In rare cases where an account is suspected of engaging in illegal activities or violating terms of service, Apple may restrict access pending investigation.

These scenarios underscore the intricate challenges tech companies face in securing user accounts while maintaining ease of use. They highlight not just potential vulnerabilities within digital identities but also reflect broader concerns around privacy, data security, and consumer protection in our increasingly interconnected world.

Despite all of these potential reasons for being locked out, Apple tends to be a bit secretive if the issue is not created by the user.  This can be additionally frustrating as a user would like to know what is going on.  And I'd like to know that my information is secure (with Apple's known history of privacy and security, it generally is, but nevertheless, I'd like to be sure). It's equally frustrating as at the time of this posting, I am not aware that Apple has released a statement as to what happened.

So, what do you do to regain access to your account. 🧐

Don’t panic when you are asked to reset your password! Think it through and you should be alright! 🤗

Initially, the most straightforward action is to reset your password. Apple provides a streamlined process for this through its official website or directly from your device's settings. Other software service providers have similar protocols - it's always best to go straight to the provider's site or hardware device settings.  Clicking on random links or responding to unsolicited message requests is never a good idea.  But, once you go through a company's official process, the system will typically ask for some form of identification. This could be answering security questions you set up previously or entering a code sent to a trusted device. This step is designed with user security in mind, ensuring that only the rightful owner can reset the password.

Remember, always be vigilant when you are asked to reset your passwords or need to reset them!

Happy Lawyering!

🚨 BOLO Alert for Legal Professionals: Apple Confirms Spyware Attacks – Protect Your Sensitive Data with Some Security Tips!🛡️

Lawyers have to be ever vigilant of spyware and phishing when working online!

Believe it or not, some spyware warnings are legitimate! Recently, Apple has been sending some real threat warnings about sophisticated spyware attacks. Apple has reportedly sent alerts to users in 92 countries, warning them of mercenary spyware attacks targeting their devices. This warning is part of Apple's ongoing effort since 2021 to alert users likely targeted by state actors or high-profile entities due to their sensitive roles. While these warnings may resemble spam, they are credible and should be taken seriously.

Here are Some Tips to Enhance Your Mac and Windows Device Security Upon Receiving Warnings! 

• Verifying and Responding to Alerts: Verify these alerts by logging into your Windows or Apple ID account (directly through a browser. This is a step that lawyers can easily implement to ensure the authenticity of any warning they receive. Importantly, real alerts from Apple will not ask users to click on links or download files, which are common tactics in phishing scams.

• Email Verification: If you receive an email that appears to be from a known contact or a reputable company, but you suspect it might be a phishing attempt, it's wise to verify the sender's email address. To do this, inspect the sender's address without opening any links or attachments. Usually, the email client allows you to see the sender's email address by hovering over or clicking on the sender's name. If the email address looks suspicious or unrelated to the person or company it's supposedly from, it's likely a phishing email and should be treated with caution.

“... if you receive an email from “Bob Smith” but the email address is something unrecognizable or irrelevant, like “Imgoing2hacku@gmail.com” or “Adrien1235@yahoo.com,” then it’s a strong indicator the email is not legitimate ...”

For instance, if you receive an email from "Bob Smith" but the email address is something unrecognizable or irrelevant, like "Imgoing2hacku@gmail.com" or "Adrien1235@yahoo.com," then it's a strong indicator the email is not legitimate. Always verify such emails by contacting the supposed sender through other means before responding or taking any action prompted by the suspicious email.

• Ongoing Vigilance and Security Practices: Regular updates and backups, the use of secure networks, and continuous education about cybersecurity are crucial. Lawyers should particularly note the advice to use encrypted connections and avoid public Wi-Fi, which aligns with best practices for maintaining client confidentiality and data integrity.

Lawyers have to be ever vigilant of spyware and phishing when working online!

It is clear that while technology can enhance our productivity and provide significant benefits, the real threats outlined necessitate stringent security measures. For Apple users, Apple's spyware alerts are not generic warnings but are targeted to individuals at high risk, including those in sensitive positions like lawyers. But for both Windows and Apple device users, these alerts underscore the importance of taking any security alerts seriously, as lawyers may be prime targets for such attacks. Lawyers must be proactive in managing their device security, not only to protect their professional data but also to safeguard their personal information against sophisticated spyware threats highlighted by Apple.

#CyberSecurityForLawyers #AppleSpywareAlert #ProtectYourData #LegalTechSafety #PhishingScamAwareness

Source re Apple Warnings: Lifehacker, This Spyware Warning From Apple Is Actually Real Apple sent alerts to users in 92 countries. If you received one, don't ignore it (April 11, 2024). Last viewed on April 12, 2024.

Monday Morning Humor: I Am Not A Robot! 🤖

Getting a little tired of the CAPTCHA tests? 🙄

Episode 79: Handling Medical Information on The Internet With Leah Bucholz

Our next guest is Leah Bucholz, the founder and leader of Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting. PVMC is a veteran-owned family company dedicated to serving those who have served. Specializing in Independent Medical Opinions, commonly known as "Nexus Letters," the firm delves into the intricacies of injuries and illnesses stemming from military service. Moreover, Leah is a U.S. Army veteran, medical expert, and former C & P examiner.

Join Leah and me as we discuss the significance of robust security measures and policy enforcement to ensure HIPAA compliance and protect patient privacy. She shares practical advice on maintaining documents electronically, managing passwords securely, and utilizing PDF readers for sensitive data handling. We also discuss legal tech tools for efficient document review and management. Overall, our discussion emphasizes the critical role of technology in safeguarding confidential information, complying with regulations, and enhancing productivity in professional settings.

Join Leah and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three tips for maintaining HIPAA compliance of documents online electronically?

2. What are the top three tips for maintaining many documents online electronically?

3. What are the top three secret tips for using your favorite PDF reader?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:13] Building a Secure Remote Tech Ecosystem: Exploring Cloud-Based Tools, Compliance, and Backup Strategies

[12:48] Mastering HIPAA Compliance: Essential Tips for Maintaining Document Security Online

[26:17] Top Tips for Managing a Large Volume Online

[35:52] Unlocking PDF Reader Magic: Expert Tips for Efficiency and Effectiveness

[28:45] Connect with Leah

Resources:

Connect with Leah:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leahbucholz/

Website: prestigeveteranmctx.com/

YouTube: youtube.com/@prestigeveteranmedical

Email: mailto:leah@prestigeveteranmctx.com/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Internet connection provided by AT&T: att.com/internet/fiber/

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

Backupify: backupify.com/

JotForm: jotform.com/

Spanning: spanning.com/

Speedtest.net: speedtest.net/

Zapier: zapier.com/

Zoho Vault: zoho.com/vault/

Zoho: zoho.com/