Some worried client info compromised after ‘malware intrusion’ at public defender’s office

A cyberattack on the 20th Judicial Circuit public defender’s office website could have a big impact on sensitive information.

The public defender’s office was recently hit with a “malware intrusion,” and it’s public website won’t load at this time. But Friday we learned this cyberattack could be worse than a website failure.

Sources close to the situation told WINK News, for at least a week, assistant public defenders haven’t been able to access any case information in the central database going back at least a decade.

It’s called IJIS (Integrated Justice Information Systems) and it contains sensitive information, including all of their notes, client Social Security numbers and names of confidential informants.

Some worry it’s been compromised, and either the database could be wiped, corrupted or even leaked to the dark web.

Public Defender Kathy Smith of the 20th Judicial Circuit shared in an email Friday afternoon, “We will have meeting with all partners Monday and should have more detailed update then. Work will continue through weekend rebuilding infrastructure and we are making great progress. Thanks for checking in.”

Earlier in the week, she provided this statement:

“The 20th Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office is recovering from a malware intrusion, which took place late last week. Our offices remain open and operational. Efforts to fully restore service are underway, and we’re making great progress. We’ve engaged a team of cyber security professionals to determine the scope of the intrusion, and we’re working closely with our judicial partners and technology vendors to ensure that any outstanding issues are resolved.”

Smith couldn’t provide an exact timeline for when this will be fixed or elaborate about if and what kind of info might’ve been compromised.

We also don’t know if the potential hackers are demanding any kind of ransom and who would pay it.