Legal professionals understand the value of a strong defense—especially when it comes to protecting sensitive client data and firm reputation. But today, cybersecurity isn’t just about protection—it’s about productivity and business outcomes.
With the right approach, passwordless multifactor authentication (MFA) delivers both.
- Seamless user experience
- Easier compliance
- Fewer IT support issues
- Lower cyber insurance premiums
- More time for billable work
Let’s explore why passwordless MFA is gaining traction in law firms—and how it helps them defend their bottom line.
Why Are Law Firms Prime Cyber Targets?
Law firms operate in high-stakes, high-risk environments that make them ideal targets for cybercriminals. Key risk factors include:
- Complex and overlapping data privacy regulations (governing both the firm and its clients)
- Hybrid data environments (cloud + on-prem storage)
- Hourly billing models – where time is literally money
- Limited in-house IT and security resources
- Heavy reliance on managed service providers (MSPs)
That’s why modern, resilient authentication is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Why Traditional MFA Falls Short
Implementing MFA is a step in the right direction, but password-based MFA still leaves critical gaps in both security and user experience.
Still vulnerable to phishing: Attackers have evolved. Phishing, session hijacking, and social engineering can bypass many traditional MFA solutions.
Lost productivity: Attorneys can lose up to 20 minutes/day on login issues and password resets. For a 1,000-attorney firm, that’s over $40M in lost productivity annually.
IT support overload: Roughly 40% of help desk calls are password-related. When firms outsource support, costs rise—and locked-out attorneys lose valuable work time.
The Case for Passwordless MFA
Leading law firms are embracing passwordless MFA to strengthen security and enable attorneys to stay focused on client work. Platforms like Secret Double Octopus eliminate passwords entirely—no fallbacks, no exceptions.
Benefits that go beyond security:
- Consistent, low-friction logins
- Secure access from court, home, or anywhere
- Full coverage across legacy, cloud, and on-prem systems
- Fewer support tickets and user frustrations
- Measurable ROI in both hours and dollars
What to Look for in a Passwordless MFA Solution
Law firms need more than sleek UX—they need a secure, scalable solution that’s ready for today’s risks and tomorrow’s regulations.
1. Stronger, phishing-resistant security
Choose a solution that meets the highest standards (like AAL3), using device-based and biometric authentication—with no passwords at any point.
2. A truly passwordless experience
This means no “reduced use of passwords,” no daily prompts, and no exceptions—just seamless, secure access across every touchpoint.
3. Complete application coverage
Look for out-of-the-box support for Windows, macOS, Linux, cloud apps, on-prem systems, legacy software, and remote tools.
4. Scalability and flexibility
Support any authentication method your firm prefers—mobile push, biometrics, hardware tokens—without locking into proprietary tech.
5. Smarter IT support
Enable secure remote troubleshooting without pulling attorneys away from billable work.
6. Fast, low-impact deployment
Avoid major infrastructure changes. The right solution should integrate easily with your existing directories and start delivering value quickly.
The Octopus Advantage: Passwordless, Everywhere
Secret Double Octopus delivers a fully passwordless authentication platform that works across your entire environment—cloud, on-prem, and legacy. No patchwork. No exceptions.
With patented ZeroPassword™ technology, law firms benefit from:
- Uniform login experiences across all users and systems
- Simplified security operations
- Reduced IT disruptions
- Higher productivity and measurable ROI
Ready to Eliminate Passwords?
Secret Double Octopus makes it easy to go passwordless—across every user, app, and device. No passwords. No loopholes. No compromises.
See what passwordless could mean for your firm.
Global Law Firm Goes Passwordless to Maximize Security & Billable Hours
A leading AmLaw 100 firm eliminated passwords with Secret Double Octopus boosting security, streamlining IT, and enabling 1,200+ attorneys to work without login disruptions.
Sources
Martin, K. (2024, June 26). Law firm cybersecurity statistics. Tech Advisors. https://tech-adv.com/blog/law-firm-cybersecurity-statistics/
Clio. (2024, August 29). Data breaches and lawyers: Highlights from IBM’s 2024 report.
Integris. (2024, November 11). The hidden cost of cyber neglect: What clients really think about law firms, cybersecurity, and AI. https://integrisit.com/law-firm-cybersecurity-2025-report/