U.S. Federal Court System Bolsters Cybersecurity Measures
The U.S. federal court system is bolstering its cybersecurity measures in response to evolving threats. In 2017, Judge Michael Y. Scudder warned about potential risks to the IT infrastructure at a federal judiciary cybersecurity conference. The judiciary is now collaborating with Congress, the Department of Justice, and other agencies to mitigate these risks.
Many court docs are publicly accessible, but some contain confidential or protected information. To safeguard this sensitive data, the judiciary has expanded protective measures. Stricter procedures now limit access to sensitive docs under controlled and monitored conditions. The goal is to minimize impact on ongoing proceedings and involved parties.
In September 2024, Judge Scudder informed the Judicial Conference and the media about these potential threats and the measures taken. He further emphasized the judiciary's commitment to IT system modernization in his testimony before a House Judiciary Committee subcommittee in June 2025.
The U.S. federal court system is prioritizing enhanced system security. By expanding its case management system with cybersecurity measures and collaborating with various entities, the judiciary aims to strengthen its defenses and prevent future attacks on sensitive court docs.
