Officials investigate cyber threat that disrupted court operations in Cleveland.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Municipal Court has announced its closure for a second consecutive day following a significant cyber incident that has disrupted court proceedings. The court’s deputy administrator, Mike Negray, confirmed the ongoing investigation into the matter, emphasizing the seriousness with which officials are treating the cyber threat.
Details of the cyber incident remain undisclosed
As of Tuesday morning, officials have not provided specific details regarding the nature of the cyber incident or the systems that may have been compromised. Negray stated, “We take cyber threats extremely seriously and are working expeditiously to rectify the situation as soon as possible.” This statement reflects the court’s commitment to ensuring the security of its operations and the safety of sensitive information.
Impact on court operations and public services
On Monday, some inmates were brought to the court for bond hearings, but the court’s online civil and criminal dockets experienced repeated failures, indicating a significant disruption in services. The court, located on the third floor of the Cuyahoga County Justice Center, had its administrative windows closed and lights turned off, signaling a halt in operations. The lack of access to court services raises concerns about the impact on individuals awaiting hearings and the overall judicial process.
Previous cyber incidents raise alarm
This incident marks the second cyber-related disruption affecting a Cleveland government office within less than a year. In June, a ransomware attack forced Cleveland City Hall to close for over a week, raising questions about the city’s cybersecurity measures. Officials have yet to clarify whether the recent incident is connected to the previous attack or if the court and city share similar computer networks.
As the investigation continues, the public remains in the dark about the potential ramifications of the cyber threat. The court’s commitment to transparency will be crucial in restoring public trust and ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future.
