ICC targeted in major sophisticated cyberattack
▼ Summary
– The ICC announced it is investigating a recent “sophisticated and targeted” cyberattack, the second such incident in recent years, which was quickly contained.
– The ICC has not disclosed details about the attack’s nature, impact, or whether data was accessed, citing ongoing analysis and mitigation efforts.
– This follows a September 2023 cyberattack on the ICC, which was aimed at espionage but showed no evidence of compromised data or a specific perpetrator.
– The ICC emphasized heightened security concerns, including persistent cyber threats and a past attempt to infiltrate the court with a hostile intelligence officer.
– The ICC, established in 2002, prosecutes international crimes like war crimes and genocide, including high-profile cases involving leaders like Putin and Netanyahu.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed it recently thwarted a highly sophisticated cyberattack targeting its digital infrastructure. The breach, detected last week, marks the second major security incident involving the tribunal in recent years. Officials described the intrusion as “targeted” and “sophisticated,” though details about the attackers’ methods or potential data access remain undisclosed.
According to an official statement, the ICC’s internal monitoring systems quickly identified and contained the threat. A comprehensive assessment is underway to evaluate the attack’s impact, with immediate measures implemented to strengthen defenses. The court emphasized transparency, stating it has a responsibility to inform the public and member states about such threats while requesting ongoing support against cyber risks.
When pressed for specifics, ICC spokesperson Fadi El-Adballah declined to elaborate beyond the initial announcement. The lack of clarity leaves unanswered questions about whether sensitive legal documents or case files were compromised.
This latest incident follows a similar breach in September 2023, which the ICC later confirmed was an espionage attempt. At the time, investigators found no direct ties to known threat actors but warned the attack aimed to undermine the court’s operations. The 2023 intrusion coincided with heightened security concerns, including repeated attempts to infiltrate ICC systems and an alleged effort to plant an intelligence operative within the organization.
Since its establishment in 2002, the Hague-based tribunal has handled high-profile cases involving war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. Recent actions, such as arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have placed the ICC under intense scrutiny—and potentially made it a prime target for cyber operations.
As cyber threats grow increasingly complex, the ICC’s latest breach underscores the vulnerabilities faced by global institutions tasked with upholding international justice. While the full scope of the attack remains unclear, the incident highlights the ongoing battle between judicial bodies and those seeking to disrupt their work.
(Source: Bleeping Computer)
