Councillors hear about cyber attack danger

Warning bells have been sounded about the danger of cyber attacks.
Almost 50 per cent of municipalities have endured a cyber attack in the past 12 months, Maple Creek Town Council heard last week.
“It is certainly hitting municipalities hard,” said Barry Elliott, chief administrative officer.
Elliott’s comments came as he spoke about a Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association webinar on the issue, and what information emerged from it. Both he and Kerrie Chabot, chief executive officer, participated in the November 22 webinar.
A great deal of discussion, said Elliott, focused on the impacts of a cyber attack.
Losses often exceed $1 million for recovery from an attack, he added.
“… that includes such things as financial losses, reputation damage to the municipality, breach of confidential information.”
Elliott said class action suits are becoming the norm for people who have had private information compromised. In addition, there are costs associated with investigating an attack.
“It’s an incredibly serious matter,” Elliott said at the November 22 Council meeting.
Elliott said administration would be finding out more information on the issue, and continue reaching out to SUMAssure.
“Council will be hearing a lot more about the efforts on that and the steps that should be taken,” he said.
Michelle McKenzie, the Mayor, said the Town of Shaunavon had already suffered a cyber attack.
It was a serious issue for all municipalities, she said.

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