State's court suffers 'unsettling' and 'distressing' cyberattack

Victoria's court system has confirmed that it suffered a cyberattack, with bosses admitting it could be "unsettling" and "distressing" for those affected.

Court Services Victoria said "unauthorised access" was gained to the courts audiovisual technology network just before Christmas.

It means hackers have got hold of some video and audio recordings as well as transcriptions of court proceedings from between November 1 and December 21.

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In a statement, Court Services Victoria chief executive Louise Anderson said It was possible some hearings before November were also affected.

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"CSV took immediate action to isolate and disable the affected network and to put in place arrangements to ensure continued operations across the courts," Anderson said.

"As a result, hearings in January will be proceeding.

"Maintaining security for court users is our highest priority.

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"Our current efforts are focused on ensuring our systems are safe and making sure we notify people in hearings where recordings may have been accessed.

"We understand this will be unsettling for those who have been part of a hearing.

"We recognise and apologise for the distress that this may cause people."

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Anderson said CSV was working with cybersecurity experts in the state's government services department.

"All relevant authorities have been notified of the incident and are assisting with their investigation and response," she said.

Hearings where recordings may have been accessed include the Supreme Court between December 1 and December 21; the Court of Appeal's criminal division, practice court and two regional hearings in November; all criminal and civil hearings in the County Court; some committals in the Magistrates' Court; one hearing in the Children's Court in October; and all hearings in the Coroners Court.

A centre has been set up for those who might be affected.

Call 03 9087 6116 or email CSVData@courts.vic.gov.au.

Support from IDCARE, Australia's national identity and cyber support community service, is also available.