Hackers target international justice system

International Criminal Court targeted in advanced cyberattack

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed that it was recently targeted in an advanced and deliberate cyberattack. While the breach was swiftly contained, the incident has raised concerns about the court’s digital security at a time of heightened political tension.

Attack detected and mitigated

The ICC announced that the intrusion took place late last week and was discovered through internal monitoring systems. According to the court, the attack was quickly confirmed and contained before it could cause significant disruption.

A full impact assessment is currently underway, and steps are being taken to mitigate any consequences. The court also stated that business continuity has been maintained throughout the incident. However, no further details were provided about the nature of the breach or whether sensitive data may have been accessed.

Political context and global attention

The timing of the cyberattack coincides with a NATO summit that took place in The Hague. The event brought together leaders from 32 countries and included extensive physical and digital security measures. The proximity of the summit to the ICC’s headquarters adds to the significance of the incident.

The ICC is currently overseeing several high-profile investigations. These include arrest warrants issued in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in connection with alleged war crimes in Gaza. The court is also investigating Russian war crimes in Ukraine and has issued a warrant for President Vladimir Putin over the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.

A recurring target

This is not the first time the ICC has been targeted by malicious cyber activity. In 2023, the court suffered a separate intrusion that it described as a serious act of espionage. Although the full scope of that attack was never publicly revealed, it caused lasting operational effects, including ongoing technical issues at the court’s headquarters.

The incident follows a broader trend, where legal and governmental institutions are increasingly being singled out by cybercriminals. Recently, hackers disrupted the UK legal system in an attack that exposed how fragile even national courts can be in the face of persistent digital threats.

Similarly, a ransomware attack on a U.S. sheriff’s office led to the exposure of confidential case files, illustrating how breaches in law enforcement can undermine public trust and compromise ongoing investigations.

Emphasis on transparency and accountability

The ICC has stated that informing the public and its member states about cyber incidents is an essential part of maintaining trust. In its official communication, the court reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and to upholding its mandate of delivering justice and accountability.

The incident serves as a reminder that even institutions tasked with protecting international law are vulnerable to digital threats. As geopolitical tensions rise, so does the need for robust cybersecurity at the highest levels of global governance.