Security & Compliance Checklist for Time-Tracking SaaS
Essential security requirements every law firm should verify before choosing time-tracking software
Critical Alert: 73% of law firms have experienced a security incident in the past year. When it comes to time-tracking software that touches every client matter, security isn't optional—it's an ethical obligation.
Why Security Matters for Time Tracking
Your time-tracking system knows everything: which clients you represent, what matters you're working on, how much time you spend on each case, and often the substance of your work through descriptions. This makes it a prime target for attackers and a critical compliance concern.
What's at Risk:
- Attorney-client privileged information
- Client identities and matter details
- Billing rates and financial data
- Work patterns that could reveal strategy
- Compliance with state bar requirements
The Essential Security Checklist
Use this checklist when evaluating any time-tracking solution. Every "No" is a potential vulnerability.
🔒 Data Encryption
🔑 Access Controls
📋 Compliance & Certifications
📊 Audit & Monitoring
💾 Data Management
🏢 Vendor Security
🚩 Red Flags to Avoid
- ⚠️ No security certifications: If they can't show SOC 2 or similar, walk away
- ⚠️ Vague data location: "In the cloud" isn't an answer
- ⚠️ No audit trail: You need to track who accessed what
- ⚠️ Shared databases: Your data should be isolated
- ⚠️ No incident history: Everyone has incidents; transparency matters
Critical Questions for Vendors
1. "Can you provide your most recent SOC 2 Type II report?"
They should provide this immediately, not "upon request"
2. "Where exactly is our data stored, and who has access?"
Look for specific data center locations and access policies
3. "How do you handle attorney-client privilege?"
They should have specific policies, not generic privacy statements
4. "What happens to our data if we terminate service?"
Complete data export and certified deletion should be standard
5. "Have you had any security incidents in the last 3 years?"
Honest vendors will share their incident response history
Making Your Decision
Security isn't about perfection—it's about appropriate protection for your firm's risk profile. Consider these factors:
For Solo Practitioners
Focus on: MFA, encryption, SOC 2 certification, and clear data ownership. You may not need enterprise features like IP whitelisting.
For Small Firms (2-50 attorneys)
Add: RBAC, audit trails, and incident response plans. Consider requiring cyber insurance from vendors.
For Large Firms (50+ attorneys)
Require: All checklist items, on-premise options, dedicated infrastructure, and custom security reviews.
Remember: Security = Ethics
Your duty to protect client confidentiality extends to every tool you use. Time tracking systems handle some of your most sensitive data—treat vendor selection with the same care you'd apply to hiring a new attorney.
When in doubt, ask your IT team or a security consultant. The cost of a security review is nothing compared to the cost of a breach.
See How Serva Tempus Measures Up
We check every box on this list. Request our security documentation and see for yourself.
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