Nova Scotia legislator Rick Burns, the province's ministerial assistant for cybersecurity, was targeted in a bitcoin extortion scheme after hackers breached his personal email. His family refused payment, prompting release of private photos and videos.
The RCMP confirmed the hacker demanded payment in bitcoin and is investigating with Halifax police. Premier Tim Houston condemned the attack, stating it "shakes the very core of our democracy."
Canadian cyber security reports show ransomware attacks increasing 26% annually since 2021, with 2023 recovery costs doubling to $1.2 billion.