Securing Information Systems for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

InterSec Inc provided Red Teaming and Penetration Testing services across 22 subsystems, enhancing the security posture of U.S. Courts’ case management and communications systems.

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Background

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC) manages technology and operational resources for federal courts nationwide. Its systems handle sensitive legal information and require the highest levels of confidentiality and integrity.

The Client

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

Industry

Federal

The Challenge

Multiple Subsystems: 22 distinct platforms supporting case management and communications.
High Data Sensitivity: Legal documents and court records demanded strict confidentiality and compliance with federal mandates.
Meeting DOJ & Section 508: Required to comply with Department of Justice security guidelines and accessibility standards.

Approach and Strategy

Threat Simulation: Employed robust Red Teaming tactics to identify gaps that real adversaries might exploit.
Holistic Security Integration: Balanced technical penetration tests with staff cybersecurity training for a layered defense.

Solution & Implementation

Advanced Security Protocols
- Deployed industry-standard methodologies to conduct penetration tests and remediate vulnerabilities.
Continuous Risk Assessments
- Maintained iterative review and compliance checks to ensure ongoing readiness for potential threats.
Authorization to Operate (ATO)
- Streamlined ATO documentation processes, ensuring uninterrupted system availability and compliance.
Staff Cybersecurity Training
- Educated court personnel on best practices for data handling, phishing avoidance, and secure communication.

Results / Outcomes

Significantly Reduced Risk: Identified and patched critical vulnerabilities, improving overall system security.
Federal Security Compliance: Fully met DOJ mandates, staying ahead of regulatory scrutiny.
Continuous ATO: Minimized authorization disruptions, preserving judicial operations.

Lesson Learned

Technical + Human Factor: Combining Red Team penetration tests with user training cultivated a resilient security culture.
Scalable Processes: Solutions can be extended or adapted to new court systems as they evolve.