Cyber attack hits Moosomin’s Kin-Ability Centre
$400,000 to $500,000 taken
October 29, 2019, 10:03 am
Kevin Weedmark
The Pipestone Kin-Ability Centre is working closely with Moosomin RCMP to recover stolen funds following a cyber attack on the agency’s payroll system discovered on October 1, 2019.
Pipestone KinAbility is a non-profit organization providing support services to adults with cognitive disabilities.
The attackers gained unauthorized access to acquire hundreds of thousands of dollars, used for general operations and wages for KinAbility employees.
“As soon as we learned of the breach, we contacted the RCMP and took immediate steps to ensure no further withdrawals could occur,” Pipestone KinAbility said in a news release.
“We also took steps to ensure that our employees would be paid on schedule, and to maintain our normal course of operations.
“As the RCMP continues its investigation, we are reviewing the security features of our systems to defend against similar attacks in the future. Employees have been advised of this incident.
“We are hopeful that the RCMP’s investigation will lead to arrests and the recovery of these funds.
“As a non-profit organization providing support services to adults with cognitive disabilities, these funds enable us to provide employees with support services, programs and opportunities to live their best lives.
“We appreciate the assistance of the RCMP and we remain grateful for the ongoing support of our community.”
According to Moosomin RCMP, the amount stolen was between $400,000 and $500,000.
“It was just shy of half a million dollars,” said Sgt Scott Fefchak of the Moosomin RCMP. “The investigation is ongoing and we are working to arrest the individual or individuals involved.
“This was a cyber attack on a payroll system and it was a theft.”
At the November meeting of the Moosomin Chamber of Commerce, set for Tuesday, November 12, there will be a presentation from MNP on cybercrime.
The meeting is set for 11:45 am Tuesday, November 12 at the Canalta Hotel meeting room in Moosomin.
