Cyber Attacks Against Critical Infrastructure In Canada Rise, Threatens Economy And Security

JAKARTA - Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand revealed on Saturday June 3 that her country's critical infrastructure is increasingly being targeted by cyberattacks, which threatens the world's fourth-largest crude producer economy.

The United States State Department warned last month that China had the capability to launch cyberattacks on oil and gas pipelines and rail systems, after researchers discovered a Chinese hacking group that had been spying on these networks.

In an interview on the sidelines of an Asian security meeting in Singapore, Anand stated that there had been an increase in cyberattacks across North America, although he did not mention the actors responsible for the attacks.

"We have seen attacks on critical infrastructure in our country and we are very careful to tell Canadian organizations and companies to take mitigation steps," Anand said.

"The risk can be enormous for our economy and systems that protect the lives of our citizens," he added.

Canada is home to a number of large oil pipelines that are important to global crude oil supplies. multinational energy companies such as Exxon Mobil and Royal Dutch Shell have major operations in the country.

Anand spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a top security meeting in Asia, where tensions between the United States and China dominated the event.

Chinese military officials have accused the US and its allies of using this conference to conspiracy Beijing and divide the Asia-Pacific region.

"We have to look at China with open eyes. They have become increasingly disturbing global forces," Anand said when asked about China's complaint.