News and Updates on Information Technology

United States – Alaska Court System (ACS)

Exploit: Ransomware

Alaska Court System: Judicial Body

cybersecurity news represented by agauge showing severe risk

Risk to Business: 1.572 = Severe

The Alaska Court System (ACS) was forced to temporarily disconnect its online servers this week due to a cyberattack that installed malware on their systems, disrupting virtual court hearings. The court’s website had been taken offline and the ability to search court cases had been suspended while it worked to remove malware that had been installed on its servers. Activities that may be impacted by the ACS taking its website offline include the ability of the public to view court hearings over Zoom, online bail payments, submitting juror questionnaires and sending or receiving emails to or from an ACS email address.

Individual Impact: No sensitive personal or financial information was announced as compromised in this incident, but the investigation is ongoing.

Customers Impacted: Unknown

How it Could Affect Your Customers’ Business: Ransomware is the weapon of choice for cybercrime especially against local, state and municipal governments with often weak or outmoded IT departments.

Source: https://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/551463-alaska-court-system-forced-offline-by-cyberattack