Understanding Cyber Essentials for Law firms
Do Law Firms Need to Be Cyber Essentials Compliant?
The legal sector continues to be a prime target for cyber-crime, with sensitive client data, financial information and confidential case files making law firms a lucrative opportunity for attackers. As a result, cyber-security expectations across the profession are rising — and for some firms, Cyber Essentials certification is now becoming mandatory.
What Is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK Government-backed scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber threats. The certification demonstrates that a business has the essential technical controls in place to safeguard its systems, devices and data.
Learn more at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC):
🔗 https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials/overview
Is Cyber Essentials a Legal Requirement for Law Firms?
For some firms, yes — it is now mandatory.
From 1 October 2025, the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requires any practice holding a Criminal Legal Aid contract to have a valid Cyber Essentials certificate in place.
Official LAA guidance:
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/legal-aid-agency
This requirement applies to:
- Existing contract holders
- New applicants
- Any location or system involved in the delivery of criminal legal aid
Without certification, firms risk being unable to renew or continue their legal aid contracts.
What About Other Law Firms?
While Cyber Essentials may not be legally required across the entire sector, it is increasingly becoming an industry baseline.
Lexcel guidance
The Law Society’s Lexcel accreditation encourages Cyber Essentials certification as part of its information security expectations.
🔗 https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/lexcel
SRA expectations
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requires firms to have “appropriate systems and controls” to protect client data.
🔗 https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/resources/cyber-security/
Growing pressure from clients & insurers
Many insurers and corporate clients now expect Cyber Essentials or equivalent certification as evidence of strong cyber hygiene and reduced risk.
As a result, firms increasingly view Cyber Essentials as a core compliance and reputation tool.
Why Cyber Essentials Matters for Law Firms
1. Protects Against Common Cyber Threats
Phishing, ransomware, password attacks and system vulnerabilities are among the most frequent threats facing law firms. Cyber Essentials directly addresses these risks.
2. Builds Trust and Client Confidence
Certification demonstrates a proactive commitment to cyber security and data protection.
3. Supports Compliance Obligations
Cyber Essentials underpins good practice in line with SRA, ICO and GDPR requirements.
4. Provides Competitive Advantage
With rising cyber-awareness, clients increasingly favour firms that can prove strong security measures.
How MB Digital Can Help
At MB Digital, we support law firms of all sizes in achieving Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification. Our IT specialists help firms:
- Undertake pre-assessment checks
- Identify required remediation work
- Implement secure configuration and best-practice controls
- Work with certification bodies
- Provide continuous monitoring and support
- Deliver cyber-awareness training for staff
Whether you need to comply with the new Legal Aid requirements or simply want to strengthen your cyber-security posture, we’re here to help.
Need Support With Cyber Essentials?
Contact our IT experts today:
📧 Sales@mbdigital.co.uk
📞 01539 731681
Strengthen your security.
Protect your clients.
Stay compliant.
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