Top Network Security Risks Facing Professional Service Firms Today
Professional service firms like law practices, accounting firms, and consultancies rely heavily on digital systems to manage client data, financial records, and internal communications. But with great data comes great responsibility — and unfortunately, increasing risk.
At Gray Area Consulting, we work with many firms across Australia who are navigating this tricky terrain. Let’s take a look at the key network security risks they face and how to tackle them sensibly — no scaremongering, just practical advice.
1. Weak or Unmanaged Access Controls
Think of your network like a locked office building. If everyone has a master key, or if keys are handed out without record, you’re asking for trouble. We often see firms with shared logins or admin accounts that haven’t been reviewed in years.
The solution? Implement Identity and Access Management (IAM). With IAM, you can control who gets access to what, and when. Pair it with multi-factor authentication, and you’ve already closed one of the biggest security gaps.
2. Outdated Software and Systems
If your firm’s computers are still running Windows 7, it’s time for a rethink. Unsupported systems are a hacker’s dream. We’ve worked with firms still clinging to legacy systems because “they still work” — until they don’t.
Regular patching is essential. Our guide on why updates matter breaks it down, but in short: patching closes the door before cybercriminals can walk in.
3. Phishing and Social Engineering
Phishing is still the number one way cybercriminals breach networks. One client of ours, a mid-sized legal firm, nearly wired $20,000 to a scammer posing as a supplier. A quick call saved the day, but not everyone is so lucky.
Training your team is key. Regular sessions, phishing simulations, and just encouraging a culture of “ask before you click” can go a long way. Check out our post on building a human firewall.
4. Poorly Configured Firewalls and Network Devices
It’s not uncommon for firms to set up firewalls once and forget them. But much like a security guard who never updates their shift log, an unmanaged firewall can become a liability. Open ports, outdated firmware, and default credentials are all red flags.
We recommend regular network audits to catch these issues early. You can also consider using behavioural analytics — as we explain in this article — to spot unusual activity even when traditional systems miss it.
5. Insecure Remote Access
With hybrid work now the norm, remote access is critical — but it must be secure. RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) exposed to the internet is like leaving your front door wide open.
VPNs, conditional access policies, and tools like Microsoft Intune can help manage remote endpoints effectively. We also explore this in our post on remote IT support for professional services.
6. Lack of Network Monitoring
If you don’t know what’s going on in your network, you’re flying blind. Many breaches go undetected for weeks or even months because no one’s watching the traffic.
Tools that track who’s logging in, from where, and what they’re accessing can alert you to issues early. Read our guide on network traffic monitoring to learn more.
7. Insufficient Backup and Disaster Recovery
Lastly, even with the best defences, things can go wrong. Whether it’s a ransomware attack or a hardware failure, you need a solid backup and recovery plan.
We recommend reading our article on Backup and Disaster Recovery and following it up with a robust Business Continuity Plan. It’s not just about saving data — it’s about keeping your firm running when the unexpected hits.
Don’t Wait for a Breach
If there’s one thing we’ve learnt over the years, it’s that prevention is always cheaper than recovery. Whether you’re a solo operator or a 100-staff firm, the risks are real — but so are the solutions.
If you’d like to review your current setup or just have a yarn about where your firm might be exposed, get in touch with us at Gray Area Consulting. We’re always happy to help.
