Urgent Cybersecurity Alert Regarding Apache Log4j
Urgent Cybersecurity Alert Regarding Apache Log4j
Canada’s Minister of National Defence has issued a statement regarding a recently identified critical vulnerability in the Apache Log4j logging product. The threat has potential for exploitation by bad actors for use in cybersecurity attacks, including against sensitive information assets. Open-source reporting indicates that the critical vulnerability is actively being scanned for and exploited.
It is being reported that various Canadian public agencies are temporarily taking down online services as a preventative measure, including the CRA, Metrolinx and thousands of government websites in Quebec.
The Canadian Centre for Cybersecurity has released technical guidance about the issue and has called on all Canadian organizations to immediately follow recommended steps to protect themselves from the vulnerability. The suggested steps include:
- internally reviewing all potentially impacted applications;
- if possible, upgrading to Apache Log4j version 2.15, which addresses the vulnerability
- if upgrading is not immediately possible, applying workarounds suggested by Apache; and
- reviewing logs for signs of compromise.
Canada’s Minister of National Defence also directs organizations that depend on third-party service providers to engage them immediately to inquire about the actions they are taking.
If your organization uses Apache Log4j, please ensure that you are taking necessary steps to address the vulnerability noted above, including following the steps recommended by the Minister of National Defence and the Canadian Centre for Cybersecurity.
If you believe that your information systems have been exploited, we recommend that you contact your legal counsel immediately. Our team of privacy and cybersecurity lawyers at McMillan LLP are ready to assist to the extent you require any support.
by Mitch Koczerginski and Lyndsay Wasser
A Cautionary Note
The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained.
© McMillan LLP 2021
Insights (5 Posts)View More
Class Actions May Now Be Easier to Defeat in Ontario
It is now clear: the revised preferability analysis under the amended Class Proceedings Act is a strict, more onerous hurdle for plaintiffs to satisfy.
R. vs Greater Sudbury Webinar
Following a brief overview of the case and the SCC’s split decision, this discussion will focus on the implications of the decision to the roles and responsibilities of each project party, including the owner, contractor and design consultant (architect and engineer). The discussion will be interactive and will include an extensive Q&A period.
Client Alert – Certain Canadian Corporations May Be Subject to US Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements
Certain Canadian Corporations Conducting Business in the United States May Be Subject to US Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements
Could it be True? Canada to Introduce Open Banking Legislation
On November 21, 2023, the Government of Canada released its 2023 Fall Economic Statement. The Economic Statement announced the federal government's intention.
Net Zero Plans Deserve Closer Attention Than They Are Getting
This bulletin provides guidance for companies on practices around net zero plans
Get updates delivered right to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.