Photo: CKRW file.
A series of computer hacking reports in Whitehorse from 2018 to 2021 has cause RCMP to take a closer look
WHITEHORSE – A suspect has been charged connected to a computer hacking investigation in Whitehorse.
From 2018 to 2021 a series of computer hacking reports occurred, and Yukon RCMP has since opened the investigation after computer data was discovered during a firearms investigation.
The computer data indicated that over 500 protected computer networks in the Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories had been targeted and attempted to be accessed. The efforts to gain access to secure computer networks were made using a method that captured the password exchange between a device and/or computer and the network access point, then analyzed and recovered the network password using computer software. During the attack, approximately 300 protected computer networks were penetrated, according to the study.
While the investigation found that a large number of secure computer network credentials had been hacked, there was no indication that any corporate or personal data had been exposed or taken from the networks.
Fearon Steele appeared in Yukon Territorial Court on July 19, 2023, charged with thirteen (13) charges of Unauthorized Use of a Computer and nine (9) counts of Mischief to Computer Data emanating from the investigation.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police of jurisdiction and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
