PHOENIX — The FBI is investigating a cyberattack on Arizona’s court system in which tens of thousands of personal records may have been compromised — including names and addresses tied to orders of protection — Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer said in interviews driving fresh AZFamily and FOX 10 coverage this week.
Timmer told AZFamily that IT staff noticed unusual activity last Thursday as random computer files were being offloaded or copied. “Just large chunks of data is all we know at this point,” she said. “We’ve had no indication they’re targeting any specific types of information.” She described the intrusion as appearing to involve “some type of automated bot that just went in and started hitting particular files,” with no clear signal yet whether the selection was random or targeted.
Court leaders say the system was shut down within about two hours, but thousands of records were accessed. It remains unclear whether anyone has opened or weaponized those files. Officials say no single group was targeted, yet people with protective orders are among those whose confidential location data appears to have been copied — information kept sealed precisely because disclosure can endanger survivors of domestic violence, harassment, or stalking.
A woman with an order of protection told AZFamily that learning criminals may have copied information about her and her location left her feeling “very vulnerable.” Jenna Panas, CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, said protective orders exist so people can remain secure against someone harming, harassing, or stalking them, and that survivors typically have strong reasons to shield their addresses and identities.
Courts are emailing people whose data may be compromised and have contacted domestic-violence shelters and advocacy groups with guidance. A resource hub is posted at azcourts.gov. Public guidance highlighted in AZFamily’s report includes the domestic-abuse hotline at 602-269-2980 (24 hours). Prior court messaging has also listed Administrative Office of the Courts support lines for protective-order questions and urged anyone in immediate danger to contact local law enforcement.
This update builds on the Arizona Supreme Court’s initial Sept. 25 alert and earlier local reporting. Officials continue to say they lack evidence the stolen data has been shared onward, while cautioning that investigations are active and operational details are limited to avoid harming the probe or victims.
Based on AZFamily (Jason Barry) and FOX 10 Phoenix reporting of Timmer’s comments, plus the Arizona courts cybersecurity alert page. Does not identify non-public victims.