Algeria’s Jabaroot hacker group targets Morocco’s justice ministry in major cyberattack

The Algerian hacker group Jabaroot has claimed responsibility for a significant cyberattack on Morocco’s Ministry of Justice, marking the latest in a series of breaches targeting Moroccan state institutions. The incident has raised serious concerns about the country’s cybersecurity defenses and the protection of sensitive government data.

Access to sensitive judicial data

In a statement shared via their Telegram channel on Monday, Jabaroot announced that it had accessed highly sensitive data involving Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, as well as files concerning approximately 5,000 magistrates and 35,000 officials in Morocco’s judicial sector.

The group’s message was laced with criticism, accusing Moroccan authorities of inaction and complicity in the face of previous disclosures. “Talking about injustice, we are shocked by the silence of the government and the Ministry of Justice regarding our revelations,” the group stated. Jabaroot further claimed that it now controls the Ministry of Justice’s entire digital infrastructure.

A history of cyber breaches

This attack is the latest in a string of breaches attributed to Jabaroot. In April, the group claimed to have infiltrated the systems of the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), leading to a temporary shutdown of online services. Around the same time, Jabaroot also targeted the National Agency for Land Registry, Cadastre and Cartography (ANCFCC), allegedly accessing over 10 million sensitive documents, including property records, ID cards, and bank statements.

The group’s recent statement opened with a provocative tone: “Here we are back after a little truce on the occasion of Eid al-Adha!” It framed its activities as a mission to expose corruption, alleging that Moroccan leaders are failing to address systemic issues within the justice system.

A warning to Moroccan authorities

Jabaroot accused the Justice Ministry of ignoring the evidence it had previously leaked and failing to open investigations into the alleged corruption. “If nothing is done in this direction, Jabaroot will conduct its own investigations and share findings publicly with journalists and the opposition,” the group threatened.

The hackers also hinted at their willingness to cooperate with Moroccan authorities but criticized the lack of response. They suggested that Minister Ouahbi resign if he is unable to act.

Implications for Morocco’s cybersecurity

The Ministry of Justice has not issued a statement in response to the allegations, and the accuracy of Jabaroot’s claims remains unverified. However, if confirmed, this would represent one of the most severe cybersecurity breaches in Morocco’s history, exposing vulnerabilities in critical government infrastructure.

As Jabaroot continues to target Moroccan institutions, the incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive state data and maintain public trust.