Cyberattack results in information breach at Nunavik health centre
The Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre says it experienced a cyberattack in November
Officials at the Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre (UTHC) in Kuujjuaq, Que., say a cyberattack in November compromised some client and staff information.
Early analyses “indicated that no sensitive data had been compromised,” but more recent information suggests that may not have been the case, reads a news release.
New information shows that files “potentially containing clinical and administrative information concerning certain users and employees” may have been stolen.
The health centre is responsible for the seven Nunavik communities along the Ungava Bay coast.
“This cyberattack is a serious event that has resulted in the compromise of sensitive data. All necessary measures are being taken to secure the systems, support the investigation and support those affected,” Larry Watt, UTHC’s executive director, said in a statement.
Officials are also reminding clients and staff to be vigilant for suspicious banking activity, emails and calls. They’re urging them not to share any important personal information.
In response to the breach, the UTHC has established a crisis unit and is working with Santé Québec’s Cyber Defence Operations Centre. It has also set up a dedicated information service to help clients and staff.
The organization did not give details on when exactly the attack happened, and said it was not currently granting interviews.
Quebec provincial police are also investigating.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Laptop with health data stolen from Northern Canadian gov was unencrypted, CBC News
Finland: Russian cyber attacks, espionage pose growing threat to Finnish national security, Yle news
Greenland: Growing focus on Arctic puts Greenland at higher risk of cyber attacks: assessment, Eye on the Arctic
