The Judicial Conference flagged Tuesday cyber security issues for judges, warning them to update their passwords and be careful about what they click on especially as the November election approaches.

Judge Michael Y. Scudder, chair of the conference’s Committee on Information Technology, told reporters that he is urging judges to reduce cyber security risks.

“Cyber security and IT modernization remain top priorities for the federal judiciary like the other two branches of government, we face persistent and sophisticated cyber risks,” the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judge said.

He spoke to judges at the Judicial Conference’s meeting held at the Supreme Court.

The Trump appointee noted it is likely the courts will see election-related litigation, and that IT security is a timely issue since foreign adversaries see the election season as a time to sow discord.

“The cyber risk we face is especially acute at this very moment — in the heart of this election season,” Judge Scudder said. “Foreign adversaries see the election as an opportunity not just to spread misinformation, but, more broadly, to sow distrust in the workings of the American government of which we are a part.”

After a cyber attack in late 2020 that impacted several federal institutions, the judiciary moved to increase multi-factor authentications by requiring users to verify their identity before gaining access to a network or system.

Courts have also required more use of government equipment rather than personal devices to help skirt cyber risks.

That cyberattack in late 2020 saw Russian-backed hackers penetrate software updates for SolarWinds users, which includes institutions that are part of the federal government.

SolarWinds estimated 18,000 of its customers received faulty software updates.

The Judicial Conference meets twice a year, once in March and again in September.

• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.