Here’s a nightmare scenario: your firm installs a smart security camera in the records room, and a week later, an unknown voice starts speaking through the camera feed. Files are accessed. Footage is tampered with. And no one knows how the breach happened.
It’s not science fiction. It’s already happened. In 2020, a Mississippi family learned the hard way when their Ring camera was hacked, and a stranger spoke directly to their eight-year-old daughter. The cause? A reused, compromised password.
Now imagine that happening in a Salt Lake City law firm.
Smart cameras and IoT devices offer convenience and enhanced visibility. But for law firms, they also represent one of the most underestimated cybersecurity threats in the office.
Let’s break down what you need to know before connecting any smart device to your firm’s network.
Why Law Firms Are Especially at Risk
Law firms in Salt Lake City handle sensitive client data, protected communications, and privileged documents—making them a prime target for cybercriminals. And when smart cameras or devices are installed without proper safeguards, they become open doors into your entire IT infrastructure.
Some of the biggest risks we’ve seen at Qual IT include:
- Using cameras with default usernames and passwords
- Failing to update firmware or apply security patches
- Placing smart devices on the same network as case management systems like Clio or document storage like NetDocuments
A compromised smart device doesn’t just mean leaked video footage. It could lead to exposed client records, disrupted operations, or even a full-scale data breach.
What Smart Device Features Your Law Firm Should Demand
Not all smart cameras or IoT tools are created equal. If your firm wants the benefits without the risk, here’s what to look for:
- Trusted Brands: Stick to enterprise-grade vendors known for issuing regular security updates.
- Encrypted Footage: Make sure the device encrypts all video both in transit and at rest.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add a second layer of protection against unauthorized access.
- Local Storage Options: Don’t rely solely on cloud backups—opt for devices that offer secure on-prem storage.
And remember, it’s not just the camera that matters—it’s how you configure it.
Best Practices for Smart Device Setup in Law Firms
Smart devices can absolutely support firm security, but only if your IT systems are properly structured. At Qual IT, we advise all Salt Lake City legal clients to:
- Change all default login credentials immediately
- Enable automatic updates for device firmware
- Segment smart devices onto a separate VLAN away from core business systems
- Secure the router with enterprise-grade firewall and encryption settings
This layered approach ensures that even if a smart camera is compromised, your client files and critical legal apps stay protected.
Other Devices to Watch
It’s not just cameras. Voice assistants, smart thermostats, connected doorbells—if it’s on your network, it’s a potential risk. In law offices where remote access and hybrid work models are becoming more common, every connected device must be vetted and secured.
That’s why Salt Lake City firms are turning to IT support providers like Qual IT who specialize in legal technology and cybersecurity.
Smart Security Shouldn’t Come With Dumb Risks
The convenience of smart cameras is undeniable. But without proper configuration, you might be handing hackers a front-row seat to your most sensitive client matters.
Don’t leave your Salt Lake City law firm vulnerable to the same kind of cyber threats that have hit families, businesses, and even public institutions. Take control.
Book Your Free Network Assessment
Click here to book your free network assessment with Qual IT, the Salt Lake City IT company trusted by law firms for managed services, network protection, and cloud-based security solutions.
Let’s make sure your smart devices are helping your firm—not hurting it.
