The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has issued a warning regarding hacktivists targeting online systems controlling water, energy, and agricultural facilities. Information security officers have been alerted by the Cyber Centre and the RCMP about multiple incidents involving internet-accessible industrial control systems in recent weeks.
One reported incident involved tampering with water pressure at an undisclosed facility, leading to service disruptions in a community. Additionally, at a Canadian oil and gas company, manipulation of an automated tank gauge resulted in false alarms being triggered.
Another case mentioned in the alert detailed alterations to temperature and humidity levels in a grain-drying silo on a Canadian farm, potentially creating hazardous conditions. The Centre, a branch of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), highlighted the risk of organizations inadvertently becoming “victims of opportunity” as hacktivists aim to attract media attention, undermine organizations, and tarnish Canada’s reputation.