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

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.

Overview

The Administrative Office of the United States Courts (AOUSC) supports the federal court system by providing administrative, financial, and other services. The AO also helps the Judicial Conference of the United States develop and implement policies.

• Stricter DOJ cyber mandates and FISMA requirements compounded the need for advanced threat detection and protection.
• The AOUSC needed a service provider that can provide Red Teaming and Penetration Testing for all US 50 State and Local US Court systems

The Challenge

AOUSC faced the difficulty of coordinating security across multiple subsystems while maintaining continuous judicial functions. Any system lapse could undermine legal data integrity and breach federal guidelines.

• Complex Subsystem Architecture: Hard to coordinate a unified security stance
• High Data Sensitivity: Legal documents and judicial records require zero compromise
• Regulatory Mandates: DOJ security and FISMA compliance to maintain ATO

Our Approach

InterSec deployed a systematic Red Team strategy, coupled with policy reviews and user awareness training, ensuring each subsystem was protected against both external and insider threats.

• Red Team Simulations: Replicated sophisticated attacker tactics
• Policy & User Education: Reinforced best practices in data handling and phishing awareness
• Iterative Risk Assessments: Provided ongoing updates to maintain authorization readiness

Solution & Implementation

We employed advanced penetration testing tools and documented each finding, delivering targeted remediation steps while helping AOUSC simplify ATO maintenance.

• Advanced Pen Testing: Employed industry-leading tools to uncover system vulnerabilities
• Documentation Simplification: Simplified steps to maintain and renew Authorization to Operate (ATO)
• Staff Training: Equipped personnel with knowledge to detect and thwart social engineering attack

Results & Outcomes

Thorough identification of technical gaps and improved user vigilance created a more secure environment that upheld the strict standards of the federal judiciary.

• Promptly patched issues exposed by Red Team exercises
• Maintained continuous authorization across all 22 subsystems
• Ensured DOJ and FISMA security and privacy requirements were fully met

Capabilities Demonstrated

Red Teaming & Advanced Penetration Testing, Coordinating Security Across Complex Multi-System Architecture, Policy Review & User Education for Phishing/Data Handling, FISMA & DOJ Mandate Compliance, Simplified Authorization to Operate (ATO) Maintenance