N.S. government to contact people impacted by cybersecurity breach
Nova Scotia’s government and cybersecurity experts are working to get to the bottom of a breach that still isn't fully understood.
"This is potentially quite damaging in terms of the sensitivity of the information that could be moved around,” said David Shipley, a cybersecurity expert based in Fredericton and founder of Beauceron Security.
Shipley said the third-party software service that the breach occurred through, called MoveIt, has been a hot target for cybercriminals, and this is the third major wave of attack it has suffered since December 2020.
"This morning, Microsoft came out and has attributed this attack to a group that it calls Lace Tempest,” Shipley said. “It's also known as the Clop Ransomware gang or fin11. This is an active group, they know what they're doing."
Shipley said now the question is what kinds of personal information might they have accessed.
"Was there detailed medical information about me that was lost?” he said. “Diagnoses, prognoses, diagnostic imaging. Those are going to be important questions to ask."
"I certainly do not want to speculate at this time as our investigation is still ongoing,” said Nova Scotia Cybersecurity Minister Colton Leblanc.
Leblanc said government also still doesn't know how many Nova Scotians have been impacted, but said those affected will be contacted.
In the meantime, they've set up a privacy breach alerts and information webpage to help people beware of any further scammers.
"We do not want Nova Scotians to believe that when government contacts them, that we'll be soliciting them for any personal information,” Leblanc said. “So all of those types of details are clearly outlined online."
It's not the first time something like this has happened.
For instance, in August 2020, Nova Scotia’s Department of Health contacted 211 people whose personal information was inappropriately accessed.
"I do think they are following best practices and being transparent, and I think we need to give them time now to make sure the incident is contained, understand the scope of it and communicate with those who are unfortunately impacted,” Shipley said.
For now, MoveIt has been taken offline on all government services.
For the latest Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Houston braces for flooding to worsen in wake of storms
High waters flooded neighborhoods around Houston on Saturday following heavy rains that have already resulted in crews rescuing hundreds of people from homes, rooftops and roads engulfed in murky water.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Canadian Auger-Aliassime reaches first Masters final in Madrid with another walkover
Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime has advanced to his first ATP Masters final, and he hasn't had to play all that much tennis to do it.