From antivirus to modern EDR: How endpoint security has evolved for UK law firms
Andrew Hookway, managing director at Extech Cloud, discusses the rising importance of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) security software, as antivirus protection alone becomes outdated in the face of modern cyber threats
Every law firm relies on endpoints such as laptops, desktops, tablets and mobiles to prepare case bundles, access practice management systems (PMS) and handle privileged client data. Criminals target the sector because firms hold sensitive information and client money — firms also work to tight court and transaction deadlines, making disruption and extortion lucrative.
The early days of antivirus protection
Antivirus was long the default defence for law firm endpoints, matching known malware signatures and, when threats spread slowly via removable media or email, it often sufficed for smaller chambers and regional practices. As attackers adopted zero‑day exploits, social engineering and remote access, this reactive approach failed: new strains bypassed signatures, leaving devices exposed.
Why antivirus alone is no longer enough in a law firm
Modern attacks include double‑extortion ransomware that encrypts and steals case files and privileged material, plus fileless techniques that evade signatures. Antivirus is a front‑door lock — attackers scale walls, exploit remote access or phish staff during live transactions. Firms need rapid detection and containment to minimise downtime, preserve evidence for regulators and insurers, and maintain client service.
The rise of Endpoint Detection and Response
EDR moves endpoint security from signatures to real‑time behaviour. It monitors devices, learns baselines and flags anomalies such as out‑of‑hours access to matter repositories or rapid encryption. Built‑in response lets teams isolate compromised laptops, stop malicious processes and investigate forensically. For law firms, it delivers proactive detection and swift response that protects privilege, client funds and critical timetables.
Why a modern EDR approach matters for legal practices
For partners weighing cost against risk, the benefits are both technical and commercial:
- Reduced breach impact. Respond faster, contain threats, and avoid prolonged downtime that could halt your operations.
- Clarity for IT managers. EDR delivers dashboards and reports that make it easier to communicate risks to leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
- Business resilience. Preventing a ransomware attack or limiting its spread is often the difference between staying open and facing catastrophic losses.
In short, EDR is not just security software — it is an operational safeguard that protects reputation, regulatory standing and the ability to trade.
What to look for when selecting EDR in a law firm
Not all EDR platforms are equal — and usability for smaller IT teams matters — so it’s important to prioritise solutions that:
- Offer automation so that common threats can be handled without constant human input
- Deliver cloud-based visibility, ideal for hybrid or remote working environments
- Integrate with your other security tools, so your defences work together instead of in silos
For non‑IT decision makers, ask whether the solution reduces risk in a manageable way, fits budget and headcount realities, and demonstrably strengthens your compliance posture.
Where endpoint protection goes next
Endpoint security continues to evolve. Extended Detection and Response (XDR) brings together signals from endpoints, network, email and cloud to give security teams a birds eye view, enabling faster and more reliable detection across the attack chain.
The takeaway for law firms is clear. EDR is not a passing trend — it is the foundation of modern legal sector security and governance.
Taking the next step with confidence
Extech Cloud delivers legal‑sector‑ready endpoint security, Microsoft 365 integration and governance support, so your practice can operate securely and confidently. Book a consultation today.
