Courts remain open, but many online systems and digital processes are unavailable. Those include the e-filing system that attorneys use to digitally file case-related documents as well as the case management system that district and appellate courts use in processing cases, per the state Office of Judicial Administration.
The office first reported network issues on Oct. 12.
The office is also currently collaborating with experts to uncover the extent, cause and exact nature of the incident, which it has been referring to only as a “network security incident,” according to the latest announcement.
“Until those questions are answered, the Office of Judicial Administration can’t predict when the systems will be brought back online,” it said.
In response to the incident, the state's Supreme Court opened the door to extending some filing deadlines. To make this possible, it initially issued an administrative order temporarily declaring court clerk offices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and district courts in all but one county to be inaccessible for e-filings. The Supreme Court has also issued an order reaffirming the inaccessibility of e-filing at appeals and most district courts. The one exception is Johnson County, which used its own separate e-filing system that was unaffected.
With systems unavailable, the court cannot accept credit cards or other electronic payments. Documents can no longer be filed online, but instead they must be submitted via fax or in paper format. Users cannot access systems and portals used for searching district and appellate court case information or attorney registration information.
District courts also cannot disburse payment to the public, including restitution and bond refunds, and they cannot process online marriage license applications. The incident also disrupted a web portal where victims could file online for protection orders.
Kansas courts aren't alone in suffering disruptive cybersecurity incidents recently.
Florida's First Judicial Circuit Court system announced plans to cancel and reschedule some proceedings following a cybersecurity attack earlier in the month.
Notorious ransomware gang BlackCat/ALPHV claimed it stole personal details on judges and other employees, including Social Security numbers. BleepingComputer reports that attackers also allegedly obtained a “comprehensive network map of the court's systems, complete with local and remote service credentials.”
