A social support group serving BC’s Lower Mainland municipalities has been struck by a data breach.
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) confirmed that The Lookout Housing + Health Society was affected by a ransomware attack. Lookout operates in 14 Lower Mainland municipalities, serving 2,500 people a day and housing 1,400 each night.
A breach guidance document from the privacy agency said affected individuals should be notified in the event of a breach, but Business in Vancouver reported that clients at Lookout’s Yukon Shelter and Housing Centre facility claimed that they were not informed of the breach.
One client of the local branch told Business in Vancouver that he had given the non-profit his personal information, such as his date of birth, social insurance number, medical and prescription data and banking information, as well as the legal and background issues he is dealing with.
“They need all that when they do intake,” said client Jason Morrisey. “They pretty well know my whole life now, whoever got that info.”
The OIPC is aware of the breach, but it cannot reveal further details at this point.
“We have opened a file and are consulting with them as they work to address the circumstances of the breach,” said OIPC spokesperson Jane Zatylny.
