The SRA issued 19 email alerts up to yesterday - meaning that, on average, there is roughly one alert each working day. 'The most popular virus is the Crypto Locker virus which now has as many as 16 variants', according to a statement put out by consultant Converge TS. 'It effectively removes files from systems, demanding payment for their return – usually in Bitcoin payment – which can’t be traced back to the hacker.'

Matter of urgency

Nigel Wright, managing director of Converge TS, said: 'As a matter of urgency, law firms should be reviewing their cybercrime prevention strategies and email security. Firms could be subject to reputational issues if clients and/or client information is affected as a result of cybercrime. They could also face reprimand by the SRA and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) with potential costs if they breach the SRA’s strict Code of Conduct or the ICO’s data protection rules.' Source: Converge TS