The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has issued a warning about hacktivists infiltrating online systems controlling water, energy, and agricultural infrastructures. Information security officers have been alerted that both the Cyber Centre and the RCMP have received numerous reports recently regarding incidents involving industrial control systems accessible via the internet.

According to the Centre’s alert, an undisclosed facility experienced interference with water pressure, leading to disruptions in community services. In a separate incident, tampering with an automated tank gauge at a Canadian oil and gas company triggered false alarms. Additionally, the alert highlighted a case where adjustments to temperature and humidity levels in a grain-drying silo on a Canadian farm posed potential safety risks.

The Centre, a branch of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), emphasized that while specific organizations may not be primary targets, they could be susceptible to becoming “victims of opportunity.” This vulnerability arises as hacktivists seek to garner media attention, tarnish organizational reputations, and undermine Canada’s standing.