Nunavut Cyber Attack Could Leave Thousands Relying on Emergency Food Vouchers Until Next Year
A cyber attack on the Government of Nunavut could leave thousands of
low-income residents in northern communities relying on emergency food
vouchers for months.
low-income residents in northern communities relying on emergency food
vouchers for months.
The attack, carried out in early November, impacted 38,000 people after an unknown group of hackers infected the Government of Nunavut’s computer systems with ransomware.
Ransomware takes over computer systems and encrypts access to data.
This means the victim cannot access their data without a cryptographic
key held by the hackers, who typically demand a large payment to regain
access to computer files.
According to the Government of Nunavut, the attack disabled services relating to “health, family services, education, justice and finance,” leaving residents in remote communities unable to book medical appointments or receive important services.