The Superior Court of Los Angeles County will remain closed on Monday, July 22, 2024, as officials work to recover from a significant ransomware attack that began in the early hours of July 19. This cyber-attack has led to a complete shutdown of all 36 courthouse locations throughout the county, disrupting essential court operations and network systems. The impact has been extensive, affecting both internal processes, such as case management systems, and external systems, including the court’s website and jury duty portal. The closure is part of a larger effort to address the breach and restore normal operations.
Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner has indicated that the ransomware attack required the court to initiate a total shutdown of its network systems to contain the damage and protect sensitive information. The court’s immediate focus is on working with IT experts, external consultants, and law enforcement to resolve the issues and secure the system. The decision to extend the closure by an additional day is aimed at allowing these experts to concentrate on bringing the affected systems back online as efficiently as possible. Despite significant progress, the complexity of the situation has resulted in some delays, extending the recovery timeline beyond initial projections.
This incident comes amidst a broader context of global technology disruptions, notably involving issues related to CrowdStrike, though there is no indication that these events are connected to the ransomware attack. The court has been proactive in its response, collaborating with various stakeholders, including other judicial bodies and cybersecurity professionals, to address the situation. The ongoing recovery efforts involve detailed technical work to ensure that all systems are secure and operational before the court can safely resume its functions.
The court understands the substantial inconvenience caused by this unexpected closure and recognizes the impact on individuals and businesses relying on its services. The priority remains to restore operations as swiftly and safely as possible while ensuring the security of court data and networks. Officials are hopeful that the court will reopen and resume normal activities on Tuesday, July 23, and they appreciate the patience and understanding of the public during this challenging period.
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