Jul 3, 2024
Protecting sensitive information is crucial, especially in fields like immigration law, where keeping client data confidential is essential. At Docketwise, we’ve implemented strict security protocols in our immigration case management solution, but truly every immigration case management platform, and other applications that handle sensitive or personal information, should do the same.
An important security feature that’s regularly offered but not always used is two factor authentication (2FA). This article explores what 2FA is, why it's important for your immigration law practice, and how you can implement it to strengthen the security of your client data. Let’s get started.
When you log into your online accounts — called "authentication" — you're proving to the service provider that you are who you say you are. Traditionally, this has been done with a username and password. However, this approach has its drawbacks. Usernames are often easy to guess, sometimes just your email address. Meanwhile, because remembering passwords can be difficult, people tend to choose simple ones or use the same password for different websites.
That's why almost every online service—whether it's banking, social media, or Docketwise—has added extra security measures to protect your accounts. Two factor authentication, often called 2FA, boosts security by asking users to provide two different authentication factors to prove their identity.
When you log into your account for the first time on a new device or app (like a web browser), you won't just use your username and password. You'll need a second verification method—a second "factor"—to confirm your identity. This extra step adds an important layer of security beyond just your password. Typically, these factors include:
For example, when you log into a system with 2FA enabled, you first enter your password. Then, you'll be asked to enter a code sent to your phone or generated by an authentication app. Access is granted only after both steps have been successfully completed.
As cyber threats increase, relying only on passwords is no longer enough. Passwords are vulnerable to attacks like phishing, data breaches, and simple guessing. More than 80% of confirmed breaches are related to stolen, weak, or reused passwords.
Implementing two factor authentication offers significant benefits. First, it reduces fraud risk by adding an extra layer of security. Second, 2FA reduces the risk of attacks by protecting against compromised passwords and unauthorized access, which improves user protection and strengthens security for organizations..
Integrating 2FA aligns with industry standards and regulations, including cybersecurity insurance policies and federal requirements like those from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Essentially, 2FA provides a straightforward yet powerful way to strengthen the security of your online accounts and systems. Activating 2FA on important accounts such as email, banking, and social media is strongly recommended to increase protection against cyber threats.
Best of all, 2FA is often already built into the software and tech tools used by your immigration law firm, meaning there are no extra costs required to activate it.
Two factor authentication reduces risks by adding an extra verification step. Even if a password is compromised, an attacker would still need the second factor to gain access. This extra layer of protection is especially important at your immigration law firm.
In immigration law, protecting client data is crucial. Immigration attorneys handle a wealth of confidential information, including personal IDs, legal documents, and case histories. The ethical and legal responsibilities to secure this data are significant.
Failing to secure client data can lead to serious consequences, including legal penalties, loss of client trust, and damage to your professional reputation. Implementing 2FA is essential in meeting your duty to protect your clients' sensitive information from unauthorized access and cybersecurity threats.
For instance, consider a scenario where a cybercriminal obtains a lawyer's password through a phishing attack. Without 2FA, the attacker could potentially access the lawyer's entire database of client data. This breach could have serious repercussions for clients, potentially exposing their immigration status or personal details without authorization. Such a breach not only jeopardizes their legal standing but also threatens their safety and privacy. However, with 2FA enabled, the attacker would also need access to the lawyer's second verification factor, like their mobile phone, greatly increasing the challenge of breaching the system.
Two factor authentication helps you comply with various legal and ethical guidelines that require strong security measures to protect sensitive data. Implementing 2FA not only safeguards your immigration law practice from threats but also demonstrates your commitment to maintaining the highest data security standards. Here is how you can implement two factor authentication at your immigration law firm.
Docketwise places a strong emphasis on security, and enabling 2FA is a straightforward process within our platform. Here's how you can set it up:
With Docketwise's two factor authentication, users have three options for receiving their secure login (OTP) code: using an authentication app, receiving it via text message, or getting it through email. When setting up 2FA, you can choose any of these methods to receive your secure login code.
Integrating 2FA into your daily routine with Docketwise is simple. Our support team is here to assist you with any questions or issues you may encounter during the setup process. Additionally, educating and training your staff about the importance and how to implement 2FA ensures that everyone understands and effectively adopts these enhanced security measures.
Two Factor Authentication is crucial for strengthening your immigration law practice. As cyber threats evolve, protecting sensitive client data is more important than ever. Implementing 2FA enhances your defenses with an essential layer of security, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
At Docketwise, we're committed to providing strong security features to protect your practice. Activate 2FA today to strengthen your data security measures proactively. Your clients trust you with their most sensitive information—let's work together to keep it safe and secure.
If you’re ready to upgrade your immigration law firm’s case management system, consider contacting Docketwise. As a dedicated immigration case management, immigration forms management, and CRM platform tailored to the diverse needs of immigration law firms of all sizes and practice areas, Docketwise gives attorneys the tools they need to deliver best-in-class services.
If you’re new to Docketwise and would like to try and see if it’s a good fit for your firm, schedule a demo on our website today.
And check-out the official Docketwise podcast, "Immigration Uncovered," and don't forget to subscribe to "Immigration Insights," a quick five-minute newsletter that keeps thousands of immigration lawyers informed and up-to-date!
