International Criminal Court (MUS) Computers Hacked, Confidential Information Compromised
The International Criminal Court (MUS) reported on Tuesday that its computer system had been hacked, resulting in a violation of security for one of the most renowned international organizations that deals with confidential information related to war crimes.
MUS detected unusual activity on its computer network at the end of last week, triggering an ongoing response. The court representative declined to comment on the severity of the hacking incident, the extent of its resolution, or the potential perpetrators involved.
In a brief statement, MUS stated, “Immediate measures were taken to respond to this cybersecurity incident and minimize its consequences.”
According to an article published by NOS, a significant number of confidential documents were stolen in the attack. However, this information has not been confirmed by MUS.
The court is currently working with the Dutch government to analyze and mitigate the consequences of the incident. Additionally, measures to enhance cybersecurity are being reinforced.
The Ministry of Justice of the Netherlands confirmed that the country’s National Cybersecurity Center is providing support for the investigation.
Marie Elen Praul, President of the Law Chamber of MUS, expressed concern about the impact of the incident on the lawyers representing both the accused and the victims, as well as the court staff affected by the compromised security measures.
In August 2023, Prosecutor Mus Karim Khan warned that cyber attacks could potentially become part of future investigations into war crimes, highlighting the vulnerability of the International Criminal Court itself. He emphasized the need for preventative measures to safeguard against disinformation, data tampering, and leaks of confidential information, all of which could hinder the administration of justice in MUS.
In a report financed by Microsoft, Foreign Policy Analytics underlined the importance of prevention over treatment when it comes to cyber threats.