The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has issued a warning regarding the interference by hacktivists in the digital systems managing water, energy, and agricultural facilities. Information security officers received an alert from the Cyber Centre and the RCMP, reporting multiple incidents involving industrial control systems accessible via the internet in recent weeks.
One incident described in the alert involved tampering with water pressure in an unspecified facility, resulting in disrupted service to a community. Another case highlighted the manipulation of an automated tank gauge at a Canadian oil and gas company, leading to false alarms being triggered.
Furthermore, a third incident detailed changes made to temperature and humidity levels in a grain-drying silo on a Canadian farm, potentially creating unsafe conditions. The Cyber Centre, a branch of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), emphasized that while certain organizations may not be primary targets, they could still fall victim to opportunistic hacktivists seeking media attention to discredit organizations and tarnish Canada’s reputation.