Digital Event Horizon
US Senator Ron Wyden has criticized the federal judiciary for ignoring "basic cybersecurity" practices, following a recent hack that exposed confidential court documents. The breach raises serious questions about national security and the judiciary's ability to protect sensitive information.
The US federal judiciary has faced intense scrutiny over a recent hack that exposed confidential court documents. Senator Ron Wyden criticized the judiciary for negligence and incompetence in addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Wyden called for an independent review to develop new software for filing systems and highlighted the need for transparency and accountability. The breach highlights similar issues with previous breaches in 2020, which exposed confidential files and raised national security concerns. The judiciary's electronic case filing system is vulnerable due to its design, antiquated nature, and high cost of operation.
The federal judiciary has faced intense scrutiny and criticism from US Senator Ron Wyden, who has accused the judiciary of "negligence and incompetence" following a recent hack that exposed confidential court documents. The breach, reportedly carried out by hackers with ties to the Russian government, highlights the judiciary's failures in addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
In a letter to Chief Supreme Court Justice John Roberts, Wyden stated that the intrusions are exposing sensitive information that puts national security at risk. He went on to criticize the judiciary for failing to follow standard security practices and resist disclosing the causes of future breaches. The senator called for an independent, public, expert review to examine both intrusions, with a focus on developing and procuring new software for the filing systems.
The breach in question was first detected around July 5, according to Politico, citing two unnamed sources who were not authorized to speak to reporters. This incident bears striking similarities to a previous breach in 2020, when the CM/ECF (Case Management/Electronic Case Files) and PACER platforms were compromised by hackers. The breaches exposed confidential files and raised concerns about national security.
The judiciary's electronic case filing system is vulnerable due to its insecure design, antiquated nature, and high cost of operation. Despite soliciting advice from leading government experts on establishing a modern, secure, and efficient case management system, the judiciary has made little progress towards implementing these recommendations.
Wyden also pointed out that the judiciary covers up its own negligence, lacks an inspector general, and repeatedly stonewalls congressional oversight. The senator argued that this status quo cannot continue, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in addressing cybersecurity concerns.
The CM/ECF allows parties in a federal case to file pleadings and other court documents electronically. In many cases, these documents are public, while some circumstances involve sealed files under the seal, usually when they concern ongoing criminal investigations, classified intelligence, or proprietary information at issue in civil cases.
Wyden's letter highlights the gravity of the situation, underscoring the need for immediate action to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities and ensure that sensitive information is protected. The federal judiciary must prioritize transparency and accountability in addressing these concerns, lest it suffer the consequences of its negligence and incompetence.
Related Information:
https://www.digitaleventhorizon.com/articles/Federal-Judiciary-Under-Fire-for-Negligence-and-Incompetence-A-Growing-Cybersecurity-Crisis-deh.shtml
https://arstechnica.com/security/2025/08/senator-to-supreme-court-justice-federal-court-hacks-threaten-us-security/
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-calls-for-independent-review-of-federal-judicial-cybersecurity-following-massive-hack-of-secret-court-files
Published: Mon Aug 25 20:07:28 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
