OTTAWA — The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has issued a warning about hacktivists targeting online systems that manage water, energy, and agricultural facilities. An alert sent to information security officers indicates that both the Cyber Centre and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have received several reports in recent weeks regarding incidents involving internet-accessible control systems.

The alert details a case where interference with water pressure at an undisclosed facility disrupted service to a local community. In another incident, the manipulation of an automated tank gauge at a Canadian oil and gas company led to false alarms. Additionally, the alert mentions a third incident where changes to temperature and humidity levels in a grain-drying silo on a Canadian farm created potentially hazardous conditions.

The Cyber Centre, which operates under the Communications Security Establishment, emphasizes that while specific organizations may not be the intended targets, they could become "victims of opportunity." This occurs as hacktivists seek to attract media attention, discredit organizations, and damage Canada’s reputation.

The warning highlights the serious and urgent nature of these cyber threats, particularly as they relate to critical infrastructure. The Centre continues to monitor the situation closely and advises organizations to enhance their cybersecurity measures to mitigate potential risks.