Advertisement

Rideau Hall internal cyber network hit by ‘breach’ — effects unclear

Click to play video: 'Cyber crime increasing in Canada and tips for businesses to prevent it'
Cyber crime increasing in Canada and tips for businesses to prevent it
Cyber expert Tim Thomson has some tips for businesses for preventing major issues related to cyber crime. – Sep 23, 2021

Rideau Hall confirms there has been a “breach” of the internal networks at the office that supports the work of the governor general — but the potential impact is so far unclear.

In a statement issued Thursday morning, the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General said there had been “an unauthorized access to its internal network.”

“The OSGG is working with the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security on the investigation and took immediate action to strengthen its network,” the office said in the statement.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“While the nature and the scope of the breach are still under investigation, the OSGG is continuing its work with experts and pursuing further network improvements as needed. In addition, the OSGG has been in communication with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner in response to this incident.”

READ MORE: Cyberattacks are on the rise and prevention is nearly impossible, security experts say

Whether the breach involved ransomware is unclear, as are questions of when it took place, how many people might be impacted, and what kind of information was accessed.

Story continues below advertisement

Security officials did not answer questions about the incident.

A spokesperson for the Communications Security Establishment and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security pointed to a statement issued in tandem with the one from Rideau Hall, noting: “This is all we are permitted to say regarding this incident.”

That statement from the Centre confirmed the incident was “recent” but offered no further details.

More to come.

Sponsored content

AdChoices