It seems like every other day there is a new story about a business being hacked, data leaking from unsecured systems, or an organization suffering a debilitating ransomware attack.
Nova Scotia is not immune to these threats. Over the past few years, several high-profile incidents have affected residents across the province to varying degrees. In 2023, the Nova Scotia Government fell victim to the MOVEit vulnerability, which impacted approximately 100,000 residents. More recently in 2025, PowerSchool, a system widely used by local school boards, was breached due to issues with third-party software. We also witnessed the significant NS Power ransomware attack earlier this year.
While we cannot control how these organizations manage our data, we can take proactive steps to mitigate the fallout after a breach occurs. If your information has been compromised, follow these essential steps to protect yourself:
● Enroll in credit monitoring. Many companies offer this as a free service to those affected by a breach. It provides an early warning system if someone attempts to open a loan or credit card in your name.
● Watch for phishing emails. Victims of a data breach often see a surge in fraudulent emails. These messages frequently use “scare tactics” to extort money or trick you into revealing further personal information.
● Be alert for suspicious phone calls (vishing). Similar to phishing, “vishing” involves fraudulent callers who pose as official representatives to defraud you. Always hang up and call the organization back using a trusted number from their official website.
● Update your passwords. This is vital if you use the same password across multiple sites. Cybercriminals often attempt to use “leaked” credentials on other popular platforms, hoping for a match.
● Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Secure your accounts by requiring a second layer of identity verification, such as a text message code, an email confirmation, or an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Authy.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to guarantee that your personal information will never be used for nefarious purposes. However, by taking these few defensive steps, you will be much better prepared to handle a breach if, or when, it happens.
