The International Criminal Court, based in The Hague, confirmed on Monday that it had detected a serious cyberattack targeting its computer systems. The breach was identified late last week, and immediate steps were taken to contain the damage.
This is the second major incident of its kind for the ICC in recent years. In September 2023, the court experienced another significant cyber intrusion, which was later linked to possible espionage activities. That earlier breach had exposed vulnerabilities in the court’s digital security, prompting several improvements.
Given the ICC’s sensitive role in investigating and prosecuting war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, experts say it has increasingly become a high-profile target for hostile state actors and sophisticated cybercriminal groups.
Sensitive Cases at Risk
The attack comes at a time when the ICC is dealing with several politically sensitive cases, including arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in connection with the Gaza conflict.
Though officials have not confirmed whether confidential data was stolen or compromised in this latest breach, concerns remain high. The court is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the intrusion and whether any sensitive information, such as witness testimonies, internal communications, or case files, was accessed by the attackers.
Security analysts warn that such incidents not only risk exposing private data but could also be used to undermine the credibility of the court’s investigations or intimidate witnesses involved in critical cases.
Immediate Action and Containment
In an official statement, the ICC assured that the breach had been swiftly contained. The court’s IT and cybersecurity teams, working closely with Dutch authorities, activated emergency protocols to secure all systems and limit further risks.
An impact assessment is now underway to identify any possible data breaches or operational disruptions. Additional security measures have also been introduced across the organization’s digital infrastructure to prevent future incidents.
The timing of the attack — coinciding with a NATO summit being held in The Hague — has raised speculation about possible geopolitical motives, although no direct connection has been established so far.
A Growing Threat to Global Justice
Cybersecurity experts say this incident reflects a broader trend of international institutions facing mounting cyber threats. From espionage attempts to sabotage and data theft, organizations like the ICC are increasingly vulnerable to attacks meant to disrupt global legal processes or gain strategic advantage.
The ICC has faced similar risks before. Following the 2023 breach, it overhauled its digital defenses, adding forensic capabilities, encrypted witness protections, and upgraded risk management protocols. Yet, this new incident underscores how persistent and evolving these threats have become.
Calls are growing for greater international cooperation in cybersecurity efforts, particularly for institutions tasked with sensitive global responsibilities. As one legal expert put it, “The credibility of international justice depends not just on fair trials, but on the ability to protect those who risk everything to testify.”