Canada Warns of Cyberattacks Targeting Industrial Control Systems

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Canadian authorities have issued a national alert after threat actors successfully breached multiple internet-connected industrial control systems (ICS) used to manage critical infrastructure, including water treatment, energy, and agricultural facilities.

The incidents mark an escalating wave of cyberattacks that threaten the stability of essential public services.

The Canadian government’s alert on the attacks stated, “… hacktivists are increasingly exploiting internet-accessible ICS devices to gain media attention, discredit organizations, and undermine Canada’s reputation.”

Hackers tamper with Canada’s critical systems

Attackers manipulated internet-connected programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and automated systems within Canadian municipal water facilities, resulting in changes to water pressure that temporarily disrupted community services.

In another case, a major Canadian oil and gas ...