Ransomware Attack Shuts Down LA County Courts, Halts Inmate Transfers, Evictions

The Superior Court of Los Angeles County, the United States’ largest trial court, has suffered a crippling ransomware attack. This has forced the closure of all 36 courthouses across the county, leading to a halt in inmate transfers.

Los Angeles County residents are facing disruptions to court services following a ransomware attack that crippled the Superior Court’s computer systems on July 19th, 2024. The attack forced the closure of all 36 courthouses across the county, raising concerns about public safety and access to justice.

While officials are working diligently to restore the network and reopen the courts, the immediate impact is significant. According to a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, inmate transportation, evictions, and move-out orders scheduled for July 20th have all been suspended.

However, the Sheriff’s Department emphasizes its commitment to public safety. They are working closely with the Superior Court to minimize the disruption and ensure essential services continue. Court Service Bureau Deputies will be present at courthouses to answer questions and provide assistance to the public.

“We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and cooperation as our County partners at the Los Angeles County Superior Courts address this critical issue,” the Sheriff’s Department stated.

The home page of the official website of the Los Angeles Superior Court is currently inaccessible due to a “website error,” further highlighting the ongoing impact of the attack. This has likely hindered public access to court information and resources.

Screenshot credit: Hackread.com

At the time of writing, there was no evidence of whether user data was compromised and who was behind the attack. Nevertheless, the Los Angeles County Superior Court is the largest trial court in the United States, serving millions of residents.

Increasing Attacks Against Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County has always been a prime target for cyber attacks. In 2016, a phishing attack enabled scammers to steal the personal data of 756,000 people from the county’s computers. In February 2024, hackers leaked the personal details of 2.5 million private plane owners in a data breach linked to Los Angeles International Airport.

Most recently, in June 2024, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) suffered a massive data breach due to a Snowflake vulnerability. The attack allowed hackers to steal and leak the personal details of 25 million students, teachers, and staff, including their location details.

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