When it comes to technology, international firm DLA Piper likes to be on the ball. In the aftermath of the WannaCry cyber-attack that hit NHS hospitals last month, the firm was quick to share its expertise. ‘Nine things you should know to protect your company from the next attack,’ the firm proclaimed in an article on 5 June.

‘We set out below some practical considerations and steps to help you prepare your company for the next attack,’ it continued, offering in-depth analysis of how to head off disasters.

All very useful. The slight hiccup being that when the international ransomware crooks struck again, last week, their victims included an international law firm. DLA Piper.

A spokesperson for the firm said: ‘Our advanced-warning system detected suspicious activity on our network, which, based on our investigation to date, appears to be related to the global cyber-event known as “Petya”. Our IT team acted quickly to prevent the spread of the suspected malware and to protect our systems.

‘We immediately began our investigation and remediation efforts, working closely with leading external forensic experts and relevant authorities, including the FBI and UK National Crime Agency. We are working to bring our systems safely back online.’

Law firms everywhere will have taken note, with a shudder. Even the experts are not immune.

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