Federal Judiciary Hack Exposes Sensitive Court Data

The U.S. federal judiciary’s electronic case filing systems, including CM/ECF and PACER, were breached in a cyberattack, potentially exposing sensitive court data and the identities of confidential informants across multiple states. Early findings indicate that sealed documents, arrest warrants, and other confidential information may have been accessed, raising concerns about witness safety and the integrity of legal proceedings. The perpetrators remain unidentified, but investigators suspect involvement by nation-state actors or criminal groups, drawing parallels to a 2020 breach. In response, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts has implemented enhanced security measures and is working with Congress and the Justice Department to assess the impact and prevent future incidents. Lawmakers and judicial officials have repeatedly warned that outdated and underfunded court IT systems remain highly vulnerable. Congressional committees are now seeking further classified briefings as the investigation unfolds.