The Victorian Coroners Court experienced a cyberattack on November 25, 2024, that resulted in the disruption of its public website. According to a statement from the court, the incident involved a denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, which temporarily prevented users from accessing the site. Fortunately, the attack did not compromise any sensitive systems or records, including case files, employee data, or financial information. The Coroners Court has assured the public that there was no unauthorized access to its core systems and that immediate steps were taken to resolve the issue.
The attack, reportedly attributed to the notorious NoName ransomware group, is part of a broader trend of escalating cyber threats targeting Australian organizations. While the Coroners Court was one of the most high-profile victims, other entities, including the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, were also affected by similar outages. The ongoing attacks highlight the vulnerability of critical governmental and business services to cybercriminal activities, particularly DDoS attacks aimed at disrupting operations.
In response to the cyber incident, the Coroners Court confirmed that it is actively working to restore the website and ensure uninterrupted access for the public. It has also indicated that security measures will be reinforced to mitigate future threats. Despite the disruption, the court emphasized that its operations continue, and individuals seeking services can still reach the court through alternative channels.
This attack is part of a growing wave of cyber incidents targeting Australian institutions in 2024. The NoName group, known for its DDoS capabilities, has previously targeted a range of organizations, and the Coroners Court attack underscores the increasing risks faced by both public and private sectors. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with cybersecurity experts urging increased vigilance and stronger defensive measures to safeguard critical infrastructure against such malicious activities.
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