The security incident: Alberta Innovates, a Crown corporation, recently experienced network issues due to a cyberattack involving unauthorized third-party access. The organization has resolved the issues and is conducting an investigation with cybersecurity experts.

What they’re saying: Spokesperson Dwayne Brunner emphasized the organization’s commitment to privacy and security, stating they are collaborating closely with cybersecurity experts, employees, and customers. He did not confirm whether personal or proprietary information was compromised, noting that more details will emerge as the investigation continues.

Why it matters: Alberta Innovates provides grants and programming to entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry to accelerate technological innovation. A breach could jeopardize sensitive data and disrupt support for innovation in the province.

Province response: Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish’s office is aware of the incident, with the ministry’s cyber team offering assistance as needed.

The backdrop: This incident follows a significant cyberattack last year on the Alberta Dental Service Corporation, which exposed personal information of nearly 1.5 million Albertans. Such breaches highlight the growing cybersecurity challenges faced by public organizations.

What you can do to safeguard your assets:

• Request a free security assessment: Identify vulnerabilities in your systems before they can be exploited.
• Establish a clear security policy: Ensure all employees understand and adhere to your organization’s security protocols.
• Develop a post-incident response plan: Prepare strategies to limit damage and recover swiftly from potential security breaches.

Organizations like Guardka Security specialize in providing comprehensive security solutions to help protect against such threats.