BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association
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LONG SAULT/ORILLIA – The Ontario Provincial Police is pausing its promotion of the Crime Stoppers program province-wide following a cybersecurity incident by a U.S.-based data provider.
Navigate360, a third-party company that managed all of the Crime Stoppers’ international tips — including that of the OPP programs like Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers — confirmed its systems had been breached. A CBC News investigation revealed that more than 60 Canadian Crime Stoppers chapters had been compromised, revealing the names of anonymous informants.
Earlier this week, Cornwall Police Service paused its use of the local Crime Stoppers chapter covering Seaway Valley.
In response to questions from The Leader, Chief Superintended Brad McCallum of the OPP’s Crime Prevention and Community Support Bureau said OPP was aware of a cybersecurity incident involved Navigate360, and that the impact is being assessed.
“The OPP is pausing the promotion of the Crime Stoppers program,” he said. “During this time, anyone who may wish to provide information about crime or public safety concerns is encouraged to contact their local police service’s non-emergency line.”
For the OPP, that number is 1-888-310-1122 or online at opp.ca/reporting.
Questions regarding the cybersecurity incident or the investigation into the breach were referred to the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association.
CBC News reported that potentially 1.5 million tips through Crime Stoppers were leaked.
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