An investigation is underway after a cyberattack on the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society. In a statement provided to AM800 News, WECAS discovered it was the victim of a cyber incident on August 6. The statement says, “As soon as the incident was discovered, WECAS immediately implemented countermeasures to prevent further compromise and to strengthen its existing safeguards. WECAS also acted swiftly to retain cybersecurity experts to help contain and investigate this incident and to help it resume normal business operations as quickly as possible in a safe and secure manner.” The organization has also been in ongoing communications with the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services (MCCSS) and has notified law enforcement. The incident was also reported to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. According to the statement, the investigation includes a detailed review and validation of potentially affected systems and data. “At this time, the experts’ investigation has not yet determined whether any data has been accessed or removed from WECAS’ systems. If the investigation ultimately determines that any personal information has been impacted, WECAS will notify individuals and provide recommended next steps.” All of WECAS’ services are currently fully operational, but the phone system is only partially working.
