The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security is issuing an urgent warning: cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure are increasing, and organizations must act now to protect their systems.
Recent investigations by the Centre and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) uncovered multiple incidents where hackers exploited industrial control systems (ICS) exposed to the internet. These attacks caused real-world disruptions, not just theoretical risks:
- Water Facility Breach: Hackers accessed an IT network and altered water pressure settings, impacting service for a local community.
- Oil & Gas Manipulation: An Automated Tank Gauge (ATG) was tampered with, triggering false alarms.
- Agricultural Attack: A grain drying silo faced attempts to change temperature and humidity levels, creating unsafe conditions.
The Centre warns that even if your organization isn’t a primary target, you could still fall victim to hacktivists seeking attention or aiming to damage Canada’s reputation.
Why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Matters
Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)—including Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)—is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access. MFA adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords, such as a verification code sent to a mobile device.
This additional step significantly reduces the risk of credential theft and phishing attacks. Even if a hacker steals a password, bypassing the second layer of security is far more difficult. For businesses managing critical infrastructure or sensitive data, MFA is a simple yet powerful safeguard against costly disruptions.
Canada’s critical infrastructure—from water systems to energy and agriculture—is increasingly under threat. Proactive measures like MFA/2FA aren’t optional—they’re essential for protecting operations, maintaining public trust, and ensuring business continuity.
Original article courtesy of CyberNews.com
Enhance Your Business Security with Expert Cybersecurity Solutions. Click here to learn more and download shawcsIT’s free services overview catalogue.