Cyber Incident at BAE Systems Disrupts Bankruptcy Notices Across US Federal Courts

US federal bankruptcy courts are dealing with disruption after what officials describe as a "cybersecurity incident". The Administrative Office of the US Courts said the websites and systems behind the Bankruptcy Noticing Center, which manages electronic communications for bankruptcy cases, were taken offline while the vendor investigates. The incident has also halted the production and distribution of bankruptcy notices. Affected sites include bnc.uscourts.gov, bankruptcynotices.uscourts.gov, notices.uscourts.gov and the National Creditor Registration Service.

The systems are operated by BAE Systems on behalf of the Federal Judiciary. According to the Bankruptcy Court of the Eastern District of Texas, the problems began on October 9, a few days before the public notice on Thursday. That court said it will keep accepting filings, opening cases and processing documents, though notices and orders may be delayed. It also issued a general order extending by 30 days the delay for any case filed on or after September 14 with an active motion to stay.

A BAE spokesperson told The Register the security incident is isolated to the BNC system and that the company took immediate steps to address it, while coordinating closely with the Administrative Office of the US Courts. The disruption comes as the US public sector has struggled with several recent cyberattacks. This summary is based on the opening of the source article, so further details may emerge.