Cyber Incident Victim: Global Affairs Canada
Date:
Sep 2015
Location:
Canada
Summary
As part of their vendetta against the Canadian government, hackers claiming to belong to the Anonymous collective leak another high-level confidential federal document, this time from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
| CIA Posture | Motives | Tactics, Techniques & Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Available to members | 0 motives | 1 technique |
| Threat Actor | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 actor | Available to members | Available to members |
Description
In the early morning of September 26, 2015, Anonymous hacktivists launched a cyber attack on the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs. The group claimed responsibility for the attack in an online statement, stating that it was part of their vendetta against the government due to its perceived corruption and lack of transparency.
According to reports, the attackers managed to exfiltrate sensitive data from the department's application server, including personal information of high-ranking officials and diplomats. The leaked documents included passport details, credit card numbers, and other confidential data.
The hacktivists also threatened to release more classified information unless their demands were met, which included greater transparency in government dealings and the resignation of certain high-ranking officials.
The attack on the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs was not the first time that Anonymous had targeted the government. In recent years, the group has launched several cyber attacks against various government agencies and institutions, including the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.K.'s Ministry of Justice.
The motive behind these attacks is often a protest against perceived corruption or injustice, with Anonymous using their hacking skills to draw attention to issues that they believe are not being addressed by traditional means. While the group's actions have been controversial and have raised concerns about privacy and security, they have also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability within government institutions.
The cyber attack on the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs in September 2015 was a clear example of Anonymous's ability to use hacking as a form of protest against perceived corruption and lack of transparency within governments. The incident highlighted the need for greater security measures to protect sensitive data, while also underscoring the importance of addressing public concerns about government accountability and transparency.