Business

Canada’s privacy commissioner is looking into WestJet data breach

The incident involved a 'malicious actor'

WestJet plane during takeoff.

Canada’s privacy commissioner said they’ve opened an investigation into a cybersecurity breach at Calgary-based airline WestJet. The commissioner said the incident involved a “malicious actor” gaining access to the airline’s systems.

The investigation will examine WestJet’s security safeguards at the time of the breach and the adequacy of its notifications to those affected by the situation. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) is engaging with WestJet to ensure that the appropriate steps are taken to respond to the breach and focus on ensuring that the company addresses it and protects the personal information of its customers. The overarching investigation is to make sure that the airline has properly handled and notified those affected while taking measures to reduce risk in the future.

On June 13, WestJet reported a cybersecurity breach that affected its internal systems and app. The incident restricted access to several users and was published in a statement: “We have activated specialized internal teams in cooperation with law enforcement and Transport Canada to investigate the matter and limit impacts.”

The OPC says it does not seek further details as the matter involves an active investigation.

Image source: Shutterstock

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