B.C. Premier David Eby listens during an announcement in Delta, B.C., on Monday, March 18, 2024. British Columbia's premier says the province has identified "sophisticated cybersecurity incidents involving government networks." THE CANADIAN PRESS
Victoria, British Columbia - Premier David Eby revealed on Wednesday night that the province had encountered "sophisticated cybersecurity incidents" impacting government networks.
A government insider later disclosed that these incidents were linked to a recent directive instructing all provincial employees to change their passwords promptly. Initially, this directive was presented as a precautionary measure by B.C.'s Office of the Chief Information Officer, indicating routine security updates.
Eby stated that the provincial government, in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security and other agencies, was assessing the extent of the incidents. However, there is currently no evidence suggesting the compromise of sensitive information. The investigation remains ongoing, with efforts focused on determining potential access to information. The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has been notified.
Eby emphasized the government's commitment to transparency while ensuring the integrity of the investigation, promising regular public updates.
On Wednesday evening, government personnel received an email from Shannon Salter, deputy minister to the premier and head of the public service, informing them of the incidents and advising them to comply with security instructions, including changing passwords to longer ones.
A statement issued by the Office of the Chief Information Officer last Thursday portrayed the password update request as a routine measure aimed at safeguarding government data and systems. It highlighted the importance of periodic security updates in maintaining system integrity.
Separate incidents in recent weeks involved hackers targeting B.C. libraries with extortion attempts and a cybersecurity breach leading to the temporary closure of London Drugs stores. Although there's no evidence linking these incidents to the government cybersecurity breach, investigations are ongoing.
