San Joaquin County Superior Court Cyber Attack

 

Another cyber incident about JoIP (Justice over IP).

But first recall this:

https://bit.ly/40FHQK5

Cybercriminals can target any system connected to the internet, regardless of its importance or sensitivity. From personal devices to critical infrastructure, no system is immune, including justice systems which rely on an IT infrastructure.

Last week, a cyberattack disrupted operations at a California (USA) court, causing technological outages

A pressing concern can arise among the public at this point: If cybercriminals can breach court systems, could they also manipulate critical legal documents?

Well... The answer is not easy to tell. While the exact extent of potential damage is difficult to assess, it is clear that such attacks pose a serious threat to the integrity of the justice system.

https://bit.ly/3CavMGg

"The attack knocked out all of the court’s phone and fax services, websites containing juror reporting instructions, the e-filing platform, credit card payment processing and more. Some jurors scheduled for this week were excused."

"The attack comes just months after the Los Angeles County Superior Court system was hit with a ransomware attack that caused identical issues for weeks..."

"Government bodies across California continue to face an unprecedented wave of cyberattacks affecting city, county and state-level services. On Thursday (31.10.2024), the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles confirmed it is facing its second major cyberattack in the last two years."

Justice over IP (JoIP)?

 If you use Justice over IP (JoIP) then you do have to be much more careful. Judical systems have not been a primary target for most of the hackers most of the time but this does not mean that they are not vulnerable and won't ever be hacked. If you are in the IP world then you need to take measures against bad guys. Otherwise it might result finding you or your company on the front pages of the internet media the next day.

As the well-known saying goes, "Justice delayed, justice denied," a new version of this saying may emerge if judicial systems are not adequately protected: "Justice hacked, case files exposed."

Well, this concern became a reality in Australia towards the end of 2023 when the court system of Victoria (CSV), Australia, fell victim to a suspected ransomware attack in which audiovisual recordings of court hearings may have been accessed. "From legal proceedings to potential YouTube fodder."

https://bit.ly/3tQy5KL

"The court system of Victoria, Australia, was subject to a suspected ransomware attack in which audiovisual recordings of court hearings may have been accessed."

"The incident began on December 8 and attackers may have accessed hearings between November 1 and December 21, with a small number of recordings generated before this range also potentially compromised."

"Concerns exist over the potential leaking of information from particularly sensitive cases heard during the last two months of 2023."

"Speaking to ABC News, security expert Robert Potter said the attack is likely the work of the Russia-based Qilin ransomware group."

"If the incident is playing out as Potter says, it means the court recordings may be leaked online if CSV refuses to meet the attacker's demands."

"Like many countries, Australia officially advises against organizations paying ransoms. The country is also part of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI), which is working toward a joint pledge to refuse ransom payments at the government level."