Overview of the Attack In a significant cybersecurity incident, the Virginia Attorney General's Office suffered a cyberattack that took down nearly all of its computer systems, disrupting legal operations. The attack has sparked concerns over the security of sensitive legal data and the ability of government agencies to withstand modern cyber threats.

Details of the Attack Earlier this week, Attorney General Jason Miyares' office reported that a cyberattack had crippled its digital infrastructure, rendering essential systems inaccessible. In an internal email, Chief Deputy Attorney General Steven Popps informed staff that key applications—including NetDocs, Outlook, Teams, OAG Fileshare, VPN access, and internet connectivity—had all gone down (AP News, 2025).

The Virginia State Police and other law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation into the breach, but officials have not yet disclosed whether ransomware was involved or if sensitive legal data was compromised. In response to the attack, both the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia have temporarily switched to paper-based court filings to allow attorneys to continue their work (AP News, 2025).

How the Attack Was Carried Out Although officials have not publicly revealed how the attackers infiltrated the system, cyberattacks on government agencies often involve:

Phishing emails that trick employees into revealing login credentials. Exploiting unpatched software vulnerabilities to gain system access. Deploying ransomware to encrypt files and demand payment in exchange for restoration. Given the widespread system failure, this attack was likely coordinated to maximize disruption, either by encrypting critical files or shutting down network services to halt operations.

What Those Affected Can Do to Minimize Damage For Individuals & Attorneys Working with the Office: Monitor personal data for signs of identity theft or fraud. Avoid sharing sensitive information via email until systems are confirmed secure. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts to prevent unauthorized access. For the Virginia Attorney General’s Office: Conduct a forensic investigation to determine the exact entry point and method used in the attack. Improve cybersecurity awareness training for employees to prevent future phishing attacks. Enhance network defenses, including firewalls, endpoint protection, and intrusion detection systems. Develop a stronger incident response plan to restore operations faster if another attack occurs.

This incident highlights the ongoing cybersecurity challenges facing government agencies. As cybercriminals continue to target sensitive legal institutions, it is crucial to invest in stronger defenses, conduct regular security audits, and educate staff on cyber threats.

Cyberattacks like this one serve as a stark reminder that no organization is immune, and proactive cybersecurity measures are essential for mitigating damage and ensuring business continuity.

References AP News. (2025, February 15). Virginia Attorney General’s Office hit by cyberattack, disrupting legal services. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/0cf74a899064a72d4532fb0c38f8e382