DENVER ( KDVR ) — The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender has disabled its computer network due to a malware issue.
FOX31 learned Monday that some data within the office’s computer system became encrypted by malware.
As a preventative measure, the office decided to temporarily disband services while they work to securely bring them back online.
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At this time, the public defender’s office’s operations will be limited. The office is in charge of defending those who have been accused of crimes and cannot afford counsel.
The public defender’s office did not say how long the shutdown would last, or when the malware attack occurred.
FOX31 also reached out to the Colorado Judicial Department and confirmed that the malware attack on the public defender’s office will not impact the judicial department.
Legal data privacy expert gives context
Austin Chambers, a partner at Dorsey & Whitney law firm in Denver, with a focus on data privacy and security compliance, provided some context to FOX31’s Kim Posey about the attack.