Persistent Vulnerabilities in Federal Court Systems
The federal court system's digital infrastructure has come under intense scrutiny following multiple breaches that have exposed sensitive data. A significant hack in 2020, widely attributed to Russian actors, compromised the electronic filing system known as CM/ECF, which manages federal court documents across the country. Despite assurances to Congress that security would be bolstered to protect sealed documents and other confidential information, the system remained vulnerable, leading to another major breach in 2025.
Investigators have pointed to Russia as at least partially responsible for the most recent intrusion, which was reported on August 6. This breach affected the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) and CM/ECF systems, potentially exposing sealed records, witness identities, and other critical data in at least 12 states, including California, New York, and Texas. Federal officials are now racing to assess the damage and address long-standing flaws in a system described by one insider as so poorly protected that hacking it was like 'taking candy from a baby.'
Impact of Breaches on National Security and Investigations
The implications of these hacks are far-reaching, with fears that confidential informants and ongoing investigations may have been compromised. The 2025 breach is believed to have allowed hackers to access highly sensitive non-public documents, including those related to national security cases and criminal activity overseas. This has raised alarms about the safety of witnesses and the integrity of legal proceedings in multiple jurisdictions.
Since the incident, several district courts have taken drastic measures, instructing filers to refrain from submitting sealed documents due to concerns over the security of the systems meant to protect them. The Justice Department had previously issued guidance in early 2021 following the initial 2020 breach, but the recurrence of such a significant cyberattack highlights the judiciary's struggle to implement effective cybersecurity measures.
Calls for Accountability and Urgent Reforms
The repeated failures to secure the federal court filing system have drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and cybersecurity experts. Senator Ron Wyden has publicly demanded a thorough investigation into the breaches, emphasizing that these incidents threaten national security. The hacks, which reportedly exploited outdated software and known vulnerabilities dating back to 2020, have prompted some courts to revert to paper filings temporarily.
The federal judiciary's inability to safeguard its digital infrastructure has also sparked concern among the public, with posts on X reflecting widespread frustration over the government's slow response. As officials continue to investigate the extent of the damage from the 2025 breach, there is growing pressure to overhaul the system to prevent future cyberattacks that could further jeopardize sensitive judicial information.