Phishing Tactics in the Legal & Document Management Sector
Legal and document management services are critical for handling sensitive legal documents and client information, making them high-value targets for phishers. Here are some common phishing tactics in this sector:
- Impersonation of Trusted Services: Phishers often impersonate well-known services like DocuSign or Adobe Acrobat, sending fake document signing requests or notifications to harvest credentials.
- Authentic-looking Attachments: Emails may include attachments that appear to be legitimate documents, such as contracts or legal notices, but contain malicious content.
- Personalization: Attackers often use names of known colleagues or clients to create a sense of familiarity. An email might appear to come from a client, with a subject line like 'Urgent: Please Review the Attached Contract.'
- Domain Spoofing: Scammers use domains that closely resemble legitimate ones, such as 'hell0sign.com' instead of 'hellosign.com.'
- Urgent Requests: Emails often contain urgent language, prompting immediate action to avoid penalties or legal issues. Common phrases include 'Immediate action required' or 'Legal notice.'
The legal industry values confidentiality, preventing information disclosure, and preserving competitive advantage. Breaches can lead to significant legal consequences and reputational damage.
Comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training and a strong security culture within the organization can help employees recognize and report phishing attempts, reducing the risk of successful attacks.