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
Environment Canada’s State of PFAS Report: insights into the future regulation of “forever chemicals”
The publication of the Draft State of PFAS Report marks a good step toward the development of additional PFAS regulations in Canada.
OPC Takes Firm Stance on Privacy in the Workplace: Takeaways for Employers
The OPC's Workplace Privacy Guidance discusses employee monitoring and workplace privacy matters, relevant for all employers, not just federal.
CBSA’s Proposal to Modernize the Valuation for Duty Regulations
CBSA's proposed amendments to modernize the Value for Duty Regulations alter the definition of "sold for export to Canada" and "purchaser in Canada".
Proposed Updates to Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Regime
Finance Canada's proposed changes relating to anti-money laundering and armoured car companies, mortgage lenders, and money service businesses.
Net Benefit Reviews Under the Investment Canada Act – Some Practical Thoughts
Glencore plc’s recent approaches to the shareholders of Teck Resources has once again brought the Investment Canada Act into the spotlight.
Get updates delivered right to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.