Cleveland Municipal Court Closes, Website Down After Cyber Incident
The Cleveland Municipal Court in Cleveland, Ohio, has shut down its systems and will remain closed to the public on Monday, February 24, 2025, following a cyber incident. Deputy Court Administrator Mike Negray stated that the nature and scope of the incident remain under investigation. As a precaution, all internal systems and software platforms have been taken offline. Additionally, the court’s official website, clevelandmunicipalcourt.org, is currently inaccessible, further indicating the extent of the disruption. Essential staff will continue working, but normal public operations are suspended until further notice.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of cyberattacks targeting Ohio's public institutions. In December 2024, Wood County's government operations were disrupted by a ransomware attack, affecting critical departments such as the sheriff’s office and court systems. Earlier, in October 2024, the Marysville Exempted Village School District experienced a significant cybersecurity breach, leading to the closure of all schools and cancellation of classes due to compromised communication and safety protocols. These events underscore the escalating cybersecurity challenges faced by local governments and educational institutions in Ohio.