Canada under a cyberattack
The hydroelectric power plant was attacked.
Quebec's power utility is working to reactivate a website that was attacked by hackers. A pro-Russian hacker group claimed responsibility for the cyber attack.
Attackers usually flood the Internet service with traffic so that the overloads on the site are getting maximal. Around 3 a.m., April 13 Hydro-Québec suffered this type of attack.
A company spokesman said that critical systems were not affected. The attack shut down the company's Website and mobile app.
"The attack did not affect our production, transmission and distribution of electricity," the spokesman said. He also assured that company data was not compromised. At the moment, the site is still inaccessible.
Recently, hackers have targeted the websites of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Port of Québec and Laurentian Bank.
The pro-Russian hacker group NoName057 claimed responsibility for the attack on Hydro-Québec. The hacker group, which has reportedly acted on Moscow’s orders, has taken part in a slew of cyberattacks on the U.S. and its allies in the past.
Cybersecurity expert Steve Waterhouse said this kind of attack does not target any specific data. He also said that the group's activities are aimed at anyone who opposes Russia, including NATO countries and its allies.
Waterhouse said organizations and governments must adapt better to new threats by assessing risks and finding better tools to protect themselves. Today, 300 people are working to restore the website and mobile app.
