Cyberattacks on three Western states' public defender offices exposed critical cybersecurity flaws, destroying decades of case data and disrupting justice.

Cyberattacks on public defender offices in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado have exposed serious cybersecurity weaknesses in underfunded legal systems, disrupting court proceedings and destroying decades of sensitive case data. A major March hack in Arizona encrypted 60 years of records, including death-penalty files, forcing staff to rebuild work from scratch. Federal authorities provided credit monitoring for employees, while experts warn that limited resources make these offices prime targets for ransomware aimed at causing disruption. The incidents highlight growing risks to justice and due process.