Cybersecurity Incident Disrupts Operations at San Joaquin County Superior Court in Stockton, California
The San Joaquin County Superior Court in Stockton, California, is grappling with a cybersecurity incident that has severely disrupted court services since October 30, 2024. Initially reported as “connectivity issues,” the court later confirmed the disruption was due to a cyberattack, reflecting a broader trend of public institutions delaying acknowledgment of cyber-related causes. The attack forced the court to isolate its systems from the internet, impacting key services such as phone and fax lines, remote court appearances, e-filing, juror instructions, and online payment processing. Jurors scheduled for the week of October 28 were excused, and remote hearings planned for October 30 were rescheduled. Third-party cybersecurity experts have been engaged to investigate and remediate the attack, but no timeline has been provided for full restoration.
This incident is part of a troubling rise in cyberattacks targeting public institutions across California. Notably, the Los Angeles County Superior Court faced a ransomware attack in July 2024, causing weeks of disruptions, while Nevada County schools recently dealt with a cyberattack that disabled internet access in October 2024. In addition, the Cucamonga Valley Water District and Patelco Credit Union experienced ransomware attacks in August and June 2024, respectively, impacting essential services. The pattern underscores the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and highlights the importance of timely disclosure as California’s public institutions work to safeguard their systems.