Bulletin
Powertech – Cyberattack & Breach of Personal Information
February 23, 2021
To: All MoveUP members at Powertech
We understand that Powertech has suffered a cyberattack on its IT infrastructure and the attack is under active investigation. We empathize and sympathize with our members as this event has caused the membership concern and anxiety. We sincerely appreciate the tireless work our IT members are currently performing to remedy this situation.
Your Union has been advised that some members personal information has been breached as part of this cyberattack. We are in discussion with Powertech regarding support for our members. Once we hear back from the employer your union will provide an update.
Some things you can do now until we hear from the employer what supports they will offer:
Review your records regularly:
- Check your bank and credit card statements as soon as they arrive.
- Review your banking activity online weekly.
- Report any discrepancies immediately.
Check your credit rating:
- Monitor your credit regularly – at least once every six months.
- Check your credit through a recognized credit monitoring firm to make sure there is no suspicious activity.
Protect your passwords:
- Use different passwords for your credit card, bank and any personal accounts such as your mobile phone, internet, hydro etc.
- Don’t write them down or disclose them to anyone.
- Make passwords more complicated by combining letters, numbers and special characters.
- Change passwords regularly.
- Consider using a password manager with random password generator capabilities to manage your passwords and ensure diversity (e.g. LastPass, Keeper, Dashlane, 1Password, etc).
Ensure computer and mobile device security:
- Ensure you are running security software on your personal computer (e.g. Bitdefender, Norton 360, McAfee, Kaspersky, Trend Micro) in addition to the standard Windows Defender installed on Windows 10 computers.
- Equip your personal computer with a “firewall” which prevents outsiders from accessing the data on your computer.
- Deal only with reputable, established companies when using the Internet for credit card purchases or banking transactions.
- Look for digital signatures, data encryption and other technology that enhances user security.
- Make it a practice to only purchase from trusted online retailers who have a secure “https” site instead of an “http”.
- Be aware that your mobile device is vulnerable to viruses and hack attempts. Only download applications from reliable and trusted sources.
- Learn to recognize ‘phishing.’ If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is! Be cautious of emails and websites that promise incredible deals and monetary windfalls.
- Ensure you are running up-to-date software and patch your personal computer on a regular basis (automate it wherever possible).
We are committed to ensuring our member’s interests are protected. Please contact your job steward with any concerns.
In solidarity,
Barbara Junker, Union Representative
Rysa Kronebusch, Vice-President, Utilities
