Ethical Hacking News
US Senator Ron Wyden has criticized the federal judiciary for its negligence and incompetence in addressing basic cybersecurity measures following a recent hack that exposed confidential court documents. The breach highlights the need for the judiciary to prioritize cybersecurity and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The US federal judiciary has been criticized for its negligence and incompetence in addressing basic cybersecurity measures following a recent hack. Senator Ron Wyden accused the judiciary of failing to follow standard security practices and resisting transparency, citing a breach that exposed confidential court documents. Wyden called for an independent, public review headed by the National Academy of Sciences to examine cybersecurity breaches and develop a modern case management system. The incident highlights the need for transparency and accountability in addressing cybersecurity breaches, particularly given the federal judiciary's approach posing a threat to national security.
The federal judiciary has been criticized by US Senator Ron Wyden for its negligence and incompetence in addressing basic cybersecurity measures, following a recent hack that exposed confidential court documents. The breach, reportedly carried out by hackers with ties to the Russian government, highlights the need for the judiciary to prioritize cybersecurity and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In his letter to Chief Supreme Court Justice John Roberts, Wyden accused the judiciary of failing to follow standard security practices and resistance to disclose the causes and enact meaningful changes to prevent future breaches. He pointed out that the judiciary's approach to information technology is a "severe threat" to national security, as it puts sensitive information at risk.
The breach in question was first detected around July 5, Politico reported, citing two unnamed sources who weren't authorized to speak to reporters. The CM/ECF (Case Management/Electronic Case Files) and PACER systems were breached, which allows parties in a federal case to file pleadings and other court documents electronically. In some circumstances, the documents are filed under seal, usually when they concern ongoing criminal investigations, classified intelligence, or proprietary information at issue in civil cases.
Wyden's criticism of the judiciary's cybersecurity practices is not new. The breach in 2020, which was also carried out by hackers with ties to Russia, exposed confidential files and highlighted the need for the judiciary to improve its security measures. However, the judiciary has failed to acknowledge the failings and resist transparency, according to Wyden.
The senator laid the blame for the breaches squarely on the judiciary's refusal to require mandatory cybersecurity requirements and allow them to routinely ignore basic cybersecurity best practices. He also pointed out that the judiciary has solicited advice from leading government experts on establishing a modern, secure, and efficient case management system but has ignored that advice and made no meaningful progress towards a replacement.
Wyden called for an independent, public, expert review headed by the National Academy of Sciences to examine both intrusions, with a focus on development and procurement of the software running the filing systems. He argued that the judiciary's complete failure to address its cybersecurity problems after the 2020 breach, as well as the subsequent cover-up and stonewalling of congressional oversight, makes it clear that the judiciary is ill-equipped to diagnose and address its own problems.
The call for an independent review highlights the need for transparency and accountability in addressing cybersecurity breaches. The incident serves as a reminder that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue but also a matter of national security. As Wyden emphasized, the federal judiciary's approach to information technology poses a severe threat to our nation's security, and it is imperative that we take concrete steps to address these concerns.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Senator-Wyden-Criticizes-Federal-Judiciary-for-Ignoring-Basic-Cybersecurity-ehn.shtml
https://arstechnica.com/security/2025/08/senator-to-supreme-court-justice-federal-court-hacks-threaten-us-security/
Published: Mon Aug 25 16:48:33 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
