
In the early hours of January 27, Bulgaria’s Supreme Administrative Court (SAC) and its network of administrative courts faced a significant cyberattack, bringing critical operations to a standstill.
The attack, which occurred between midnight and 4 a.m., incapacitated the Unified Information Case Management System and rendered the SAC’s official website inaccessible.
The disruption has prompted swift action from authorities, with immediate measures underway to restore the affected systems.
A crisis headquarters was promptly established to manage the incident, bringing together experts from the Cybersecurity Department of the General Directorate for the Protection of Civil and Administrative Offences.
Teams are actively working to address the breach and secure the integrity of the court’s digital infrastructure.
Widespread Impact and Coordinated Response
The incident has had a nationwide impact, affecting the operations of 28 administrative courts across Bulgaria.
Authorities have prioritized communication with these courts to mitigate the disruption’s effects and ensure that urgent matters are addressed despite the technical setbacks.
“The Unified Information Case Management System is a cornerstone of our judicial processes, and restoring its functionality is our utmost priority,” a representative of the SAC stated.
“We are committed to taking all necessary measures to resolve the issue and ensure such incidents do not recur.”
The SAC has confirmed that all relevant institutions have been notified about the cyberattack. Collaborative efforts between cybersecurity experts and the courts aim to investigate the source of the attack, assess vulnerabilities, and strengthen defenses against future threats.
Public Assurance and Transparency
Officials from the SAC have assured the public that they are handling the situation with the urgency it demands.
Updates on progress will be shared to maintain transparency and public trust. “The safety and reliability of our systems are paramount, and we are sparing no effort in restoring operations,” the statement emphasized.
Cybersecurity experts involved in the response have indicated that the attack appears to be sophisticated, targeting critical infrastructure with the intent to disrupt.
However, no details regarding the perpetrators or their motives have been disclosed as investigations are ongoing.
Rising Cybersecurity Concerns
The incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on public institutions worldwide, as digital systems increasingly underpin essential services.
Bulgaria has been no exception, with several government entities targeted in recent years. This attack underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and proactive defenses to protect sensitive information and ensure the continuity of public services.
Next Steps
The crisis headquarters continues to coordinate the recovery process, with teams working around the clock to restore full functionality to the SAC’s systems.
The immediate focus remains on mitigating the impact on judicial processes and securing the affected systems against further breaches.
While the full extent of the disruption is yet to be assessed, officials have emphasized the importance of resilience and collaboration in overcoming this challenge.
Authorities are urging vigilance and preparedness across all institutions to address the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members