U.S. federal judges are warned of the increased risk of foreign cyberattacks targeting election-related litigation. Intelligence agencies have identified foreign adversaries as seeking to spread misinformation and sow doubt about the electoral process.
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| The U.S. judiciary is facing a heightened threat of foreign cyberattacks aimed at influencing the upcoming election. Judges are urged to be vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their IT systems. Symbolic image |
New York, USA - September 18, 2024:
In a stark warning ahead of the upcoming U.S. elections, federal judges have been alerted to the heightened risk of foreign cyberattacks targeting the judiciary. The potential for these attacks to interfere with election-related litigation and spread misinformation has been highlighted by U.S. Circuit Judge Michael Scudder.
Judge Scudder, who chairs the committee on information technology for the federal courts, emphasized the need for vigilance and caution in the use of IT systems. He cited intelligence reports indicating that foreign adversaries are actively seeking to disrupt the democratic process.
The threat of cyberattacks is particularly concerning given the judiciary's role in adjudicating election disputes. Previous incidents, such as the 2020 breach of the federal judiciary's document-filing system, underscore the vulnerability of these institutions to foreign interference.
While Judge Scudder did not disclose any specific threats against the courts, he stressed the importance of assuming that the judiciary is at risk. The intelligence community has already accused Iran of targeting the campaigns of both U.S. presidential candidates, highlighting the potential for broader cyber operations.
As the nation prepares for the upcoming election, the judiciary's ability to withstand cyberattacks is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the democratic process. The warning from Judge Scudder serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by foreign adversaries and the need for proactive measures to protect the judiciary's systems and data.