Ontario investigating potential security breach associated with COVID-19 vaccine portal
Ontario authorities are investigating reports of a possible security breach associated with the provincial COVID-19 vaccine booking portal.
A spokesperson for the Solicitor General confirmed the government has received multiple reports of spam text messages received by individuals who scheduled appointments or accessed vaccine certificates through the COVID-9 immunization system.
"Ontarians should be aware these texts are financial in nature and that the government will never conduct a financial transaction through these methods," Marion Ringuette said in a statement.
"The government takes allegations of fraud very seriously and is aggressively investigating these reports with our partner ministries, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and others."
The OPP has confirmed to CTV News Toronto that it is investigating reports of "spam text messages from individuals who have utilized the COVID-19 booking system for appointments or to access vaccine certificates."
"As this investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time," Bill Dickson, Corporate Communications Manager with the OPP, said.
One Ontario resident told CTV News Toronto that she received two text messages addressed to her 12-year-old daughter on Nov. 14.
"We get phishing text messages all the time from different things, but this one was interesting because it was my daughter, who was 12 years old. It was in her name and it was really just asking us to reply to accept money," Carla Embleton said.
Embleton said she became concerned that her daughter's personal information may have been compromised.
"What really triggered it for me was the spelling of her name. It was her name, her full name with middle name, and her middle name was fully capitalized and the only time I've ever seen that was on her vaccine passport."
Mike Primeau from Ottawa received a similar text to his cell phone a few days later, also addressed to his son. In the text, Primeau is told that he has been sent "a reimbursement of $163.36" and is asked to reply to receive the payment.
A spam text message is seen in this photograph provided to CTV News Toronto by Mike Primeau.
Primeau told CTV News Toronto that he asked his son if they had registered for anything together that could have led to the phishing text.
"At that time he couldn't think of anything, any source of it," he said.
After seeing media reports about the potential breach, Primeau realized the text could be related as his son's full name, including his middle name, was used. While his son was registered to get the vaccine over the summer, the entire family did log back into the system to download their proof of vaccination when the provincial mandate came into effect.
"It worries me more around, you know, what kind of information could they gather from that first name, last name, date of birth, health card," he said, while adding that he knows those responsible for the website are doing everything they can to keep it secure. "Maybe there's healthcare fraud involved, but as far as using (the portal) again, I probably would."
On social media, multiple people have reported receiving text messages with either their full names or the full names of their children. However, it seems like the requests for each text are slightly different.
It is unclear when officials were first notified of the potential breach, but Premier Doug Ford told reporters Monday that he received a briefing about the investigation over the weekend.
"I've had a conversation with my chief of staff, principal secretary and secretary of cabinet and they have all hands on deck on all our ministry especially or Ministry of Health, and I'm confident with the group that we have down there," Ford said, adding that "cybersecurity is so important."
"They're getting more technical, more sophisticated every single day."
News of the potential security breach came as Ontario announced that COVID-19 vaccine appointments will become available for children between the ages of five and 11 as of Tuesday.
Families will be able to book appointments through the COVID-19 vaccine portal, as well as other avenues such as pharmacies and primary care offices.
While asked about the incident by a reporter, Solicitor General Sylvia reiterated Ford's confidence in the system.
"This investigation, and any investigation when we hear of potential breaches, we investigate thoroughly," Jones said.
"We are doing that now. We have confidence in the booking system that there are no concerns and as I said, we will continue to investigate all issues as we hear from local individuals."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Fort McMurray evacuees welcomed home Saturday as crews make progress on wildfire
Residents of Fort of McMurray who were displaced over wildfire concerns were told to return home Saturday.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Scottie Scheffler, from the course to jail and back: What to know about his PGA Championship arrest
Two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler was arrested after police say he dragged an officer while trying to get around the scene of a fatal accident Friday ahead of the second round of the PGA Championship.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.
Hot weather poses new risk as thousands remain without power after deadly Houston storm
As the Houston area works to clean up and restore power to hundreds of thousands after deadly storms left at least seven people dead, it will do so amid a smog warning and scorching temperatures that could pose health risks.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Jesus is their saviour, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.