Keeping your information safe and secure when using videoconferencing software
The SRA (Solicitor’s regulatory Authority) have stated that all firms must have measures in place to keep client’s information confidential - it is required both by their rules and the law, including GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
We already had in place arrangements to protect client information when working from home, prior to COVID-19 and lockdown/social distancing. Our IT equipment is kept secure and our home working space is private and exclusively used for working with client casework.
We recommend when using Zoom or other videoconferencing software to communicate with you, that you follow our guidelines to keep your private information safe. Be in a space where you cannot be overheard or interrupted, using a secure internet connection. Familiarise yourself with the technology prior to the meeting. Many videoconferencing software companies, such as Zoom or Skype have tutorials available. They can also allow you to enhance your data protection or security settings. Remember, you may not record certain meetings using videoconferencing software, such as remote court attendance.
We recommend that you use the latest computing software and keep it updated, install virus protection and security updates and abide by our email consent form tips on keeping communications secure.
We also suggest that you keep back-ups of all electronic documents in a safe place such as the cloud or external hard drive, shred old paper documents with your identity or information on once they are no longer needed or required by you and use strong password protection measures.