Cybercriminals can use new techniques, state-sponsored threats to lure Canadians: agency – National

Federal network security The center says criminals holding data for ransom are expected to use new techniques – such as threatening a target’s partners or customers – to increase their chances of receiving payment.

In its threat forecast for 2023-24, the Canadian Cybersecurity Center says cybercrime continues to be the online activity most likely to affect Canadians and their organisations.

The report says ransomware attacks, in which digital files are held hostage or encrypted until a fee is paid, are almost certainly the most disruptive form of cybercrime facing Canadians. face.

The center said that by threatening business partners or customers of victims, cybercriminals are likely to anticipate that these organizations will increase pressure on victims to pay ransoms.

The center notes a cybercriminal group, which has targeted victims in Canada, is known to launch denial-of-service attacks during payment negotiations, increasing the pressure.

The report also says that state-sponsored programs by China, Russia, Iran and North Korea pose the greatest strategic cyber threats to Canada, including efforts against the public and community activists in Canada.