Third Branch eNews

Staff from the Wisconsin Director of State Courts office joined colleagues from across the region in St. Louis this week for the Midwest Region’s Cybersecurity and Disaster Recovery Workshop. The event, hosted by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), was held September 30 to October 2 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown St. Louis.

The workshop blended online and in-person sessions focused on how courts can prepare for and respond to cybersecurity threats and other disruptions. Participants included judges, administrators, communications staff, and technology professionals from several states, underscoring the growing emphasis on protecting court operations against emerging risks.

Over two days, the program featured presentations, tabletop exercises, and a review of the Annual Threat Report. State emergency management officials also addressed the group, while exhibitors and breakout discussions offered opportunities to explore best practices and practical strategies. A session on cybersecurity controls and protocols provided a closer look at technical safeguards and preventive measures.

Director’s office staff took part in scenario-based exercises designed to test decision-making under pressure and highlight the importance of coordinated planning. Their involvement reflected continuing efforts to strengthen readiness and maintain continuity of operations in the event of a cyber incident or other emergency.

In addition to the structured agenda, participants had time to network and exchange ideas informally with peers from across the Midwest. The St. Louis sessions followed two virtual workshops in late August that set the stage for the in-person work and reinforced the value of proactive planning for court systems.