Savage Silk is a multi-disciplinary legal practice operating across Newcastle and Stockton-on-Tees, delivering a wide range of legal services to both individuals and businesses.
The firm has established a strong reputation for client-focused advice across areas including residential conveyancing, family law, litigation, and commercial matters.
Operating in a highly regulated environment, Savage Silk handles sensitive client data daily, making security, confidentiality, and system reliability critical to maintaining trust and meeting professional obligations.
Background
Advantex has worked with Savage Silk since 2016, developing a long-term partnership to support and evolve the firm’s IT environment. As the business matured, the focus shifted from day-to-day IT support to strengthening cyber security and implementing a more structured, technology-led approach.
This included aligning systems, controls, and user behaviours with recognised standards including key principles outlined within the Cyber Essentials framework.
The Challenge
With the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) reporting that around 75% of UK law firms have been targeted by cyber attacks, the risk to sensitive client data and business operations is significant. At the same time, firms are increasingly expected to demonstrate that appropriate security controls are in place, both to meet regulatory obligations and to maintain client trust.
As a result, this meant not only strengthening its security posture, but aligning with recognised best practice including frameworks such as Cyber Essentials, often seen as a baseline standard for cyber hygiene.
The firm required:
- Greater protection against phishing, malware, and credential-based attacks
- Stronger controls around user access and authentication
- Consistent security policies across all devices and systems
- Improved visibility and governance of IT security
- Alignment with Cyber Essentials requirements
- Support for compliance with SRA Standards and Regulations
The Solution
Advantex implemented a layered cyber security framework aligned to the five core Cyber Essentials control areas, ensuring protection across users, devices, and networks:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) using Cisco Duo to secure user access and prevent unauthorised logins
- Secure configuration across all endpoints to establish a consistent and hardened security baseline
- Proactive patch management to ensure systems remain protected against known vulnerabilities
- Advanced malware protection, including Cisco Umbrella for DNS-layer threat blocking
- Network and perimeter security through hosted firewall solutions and controlled access
To further strengthen the firm’s cyber resilience, Advantex enhanced email security through DMARC implementation to reduce phishing and spoofing risks, alongside securing Microsoft 365 to protect data and collaboration tools. These controls are continuously monitored and managed, ensuring the environment remains aligned with Cyber Essentials requirements over time.
Benefits
- Reduced risk of client data exposure through stronger protection against phishing, malware, and credential-based attacks
- Greater control over user access, significantly lowering the likelihood of unauthorised access
- Improved consistency and governance across all systems, reducing security gaps and human error
- Increased confidence in IT security across the business, supporting fee earners in delivering client services without disruption
- Clear alignment with Cyber Essentials requirements, enabling a structured path towards certification
- Stronger compliance position against SRA Standards and Regulations, reducing regulatory and reputational risk
Conclusion
The long-standing partnership between Advantex and Savage Silk demonstrates the value of a Managed Service approach that embeds cyber security and compliance into day-to-day operations. By aligning technology, processes, and controls with recognised best practice including key principles outlined within the Cyber Essentials framework, Savage Silk benefits from a secure, resilient, and well-governed IT environment.
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