As most readers know, I write a column for NYC-based TechnoLawyer called SmallLaw (formerly known as, no joke, “Crazy Mazy”). Anyhow, as TechnoLawyer’s intrepid Chicago reporter I’ve written about the ABA TechShow since 2008; and before that for this blog.
Here are the 12 videos we shot at this year’s TechShow. Feel free to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more legal tech news and check out my TechnoLawyer pieces as well.
Everyone knows they should patch their PC via Windows Update, right? Well if not everyone, then at least everyone who reads this blog. But what most don’t realize is that Windows Update includes only Microsoft updates, which leaves the rest of their system vulnerable. And of course Microsoft has been the Internet’s virtual whipping boy for years, often deservedly. But much of that bad press actually has more to do with the company’s size than the quality of its products, which are better engineered and more secure than most anything else. But I digress.
The point is that whether you run IE, Firefox, or Chrome, cyber-criminals know that PC security has improved so they’ve shifted strategies to exploit your weakest point: holes in your browser. So what about it? Is your browser security up to date?
“Sure my browser is secure. I use [fill in your browser's name here].” Well, just because you run IE9, Chrome 11, or Firefox 4, it turns out that doesn’t mean that purveyors of malware can’t access y our system via the armada of add-ins and plug-ins on your system. You know you’ve got ‘em. Are they current? Fortunately there’s a free tool to help you out called Browsercheck by Qualys. Browsercheck is available at browsercheck.qualys.com. You just need to install their plug-in to scan your browser. Those of you unfamiliar with Qualys, they are a security company well known to larger businesses. They have enterprise class tools to scan networks of computers for known security vulnerabilities. Fortunately for us, they have provided this free tool to assist in keeping your browser patched and secure – give it a try.
In a world in which Lawyers can’t be too careful about securing their work-product and client-communications, this is a no-brainer. What is How Secure is My Password? The name says it all. Just navigate to howsecureismypassword.net, type in your password, and get an evaluation of how hard it would be for a would-be snoop to break. The upshot: this site is dead simple, effective, and free. What’s not to lke?
https://esign.adob.com
E-signatures? Yep – Adobe’s got ‘em. How does this work? Just like you think it works. Sign up for free, sign a document digitally. Enjoy.
What could this technology change for lawyers? Only everything. I plan to start using it immediately for client agreements, contracts, receipts, license agreements, status reports, letters, etc., etc., etc.
I have to admit – just when you think that Adobe has it all wrong … they go and do something intensely right. I stand corrected.
“The practice of law is, has been, and will continue to be a collaborative process” according to Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell, authors of The Lawyer’s Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies: Smart Ways to Work Together. True enough. And collaboration in the Internet Age is not what it used to be. In their book, Dennis and Tom have compiled a guide for lawyers who want to keep up with current tools and methods of collaboration that take advantage of the technology. For example the book discusses
With an-easy-to read-format, short chapters, and full glossary and index, in addition to a complete list of tools and resources, The Lawyer’s Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies is exactly what it claims to be.
TechnoLawyer ABA Techshow
