This summer, the United Kingdom's National Cyber Security Centre told the legal sector what many law firms around the world have learned the hard way: they are "prime targets" of cyber criminals due to the confidential information they handle related to finance, litigation and other sensitive matters. Meanwhile, around that same time in the United States, it came to light that 3 of the 50 largest firms had been victims of a breach.

On the 20th anniversary of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, many firms are reflecting on how they would navigate and communicate their response to what is seemingly becoming inevitable. Whether your firm has a full cyber-focused communications plan or is just now starting to prepare, taking a hard look at what your immediate actions will be is critical to safeguarding your reputation and relationships with key stakeholders.

Here are eight questions to help ensure you're ready: