Canada Revenue Agency: Your CRA Account Might Be Hacked

Companies like Absolute Software are leading the charge against hacks that could have possibly left your CRA account vulnerable.

| More on:

A new enemy is trying to take away your hard-earned money. Cybercriminals are always prowling for opportunities they can leverage, and your account may be at risk. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) suffered online attacks earlier in the year that left thousands of CRA accounts being compromised.

Are you also a victim of the hacking attack?

The invisible threat

The Treasury Board of Canada said that it uncovered suspicious activities on more than 48,000 CRA accounts following the cyberattacks in July and August. The attacks, which occurred earlier in the year, targeted CRA and GCKey accounts. According to the government agency, attackers used credential stuffing to hack the accounts.

The attack leverages accounts of people who reuse the same username and password across various accounts that might already have been hacked. The treasury claimed that GCKey was not compromised. However, it revoked the credentials of 9,300 users on its system. It is currently getting in touch with the people who own those revoked accounts to take preventive measures in case of future attacks.

The CRA initially noticed suspicious activities on August 7, 2020. It closed its online portal to deal with the threat, and it restored services on August 19, 2020.

Check your account

While the government has restored the online portal, you should check your account to ensure that your account was not hacked. Try and see if there were any applications made in your name that you do not remember making. If you find a claim like that, you should report it immediately. Even if you find that nothing seems to be wrong with your account, I would recommend changing your password across all online CRA services.

Cybersecurity companies are in the limelight

The increasing cybersecurity threat is also highlighting the importance of companies that provide protective measures against hackers. One of the companies leading the charge against cybercriminals is Absolute Software (TSX:ABT). Absolute develops and provides endpoint security software that can protect smartphones and laptops from cyberattacks.

With most people working remotely during the pandemic, the demand for Absolute’s services went through the roof. People are flocking towards companies like Absolute Software to protect their sensitive data across various sectors. Absolute is trading for $14.10 per share at writing, and it is up more than 96% from its March 2020 bottom. The stock provides its shareholders with a decent 2.27% dividend yield.

As the awareness for cybersecurity increases, so will the business for companies like Absolute. I would recommend taking a closer look at the stock for its movements in the long run. It could be interesting to see how it grows.

Foolish takeaway

Make sure you do everything you can to secure your accounts. Check the account, change your passwords, and use high-quality cybersecurity tools to protect your data. You could look at the tech stock to get the endpoint security software necessary to protect your information. You can also simultaneously consider adding the company to your investment portfolio due to its immense potential.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

money goes up and down in balance
Dividend Stocks

This 6% Dividend Stock Is My Top Pick for Immediate Income

This Canadian stock has resilient business model, solid dividend payment and growth history, and a well-protected yield of over 6%.

Read more »

ways to boost income
Dividend Stocks

1 Excellent TSX Dividend Stock, Down 25%, to Buy and Hold for the Long Term

Down 25% from all-time highs, Tourmaline Oil is a TSX dividend stock that offers you a tasty yield of 5%…

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Dividend Stocks

1 Incredibly Cheap Canadian Dividend-Growth Stock to Buy Now and Hold for Decades

CN Rail (TSX:CNR) stock is incredibly cheap, but should investors join insiders by buying the dip?

Read more »

bulb idea thinking
Dividend Stocks

Down 13%, This Magnificent Dividend Stock Is a Screaming Buy

Sometimes, a moderately discounted, safe dividend stock is better than heavily discounted stock, offering an unsustainably high yield.

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

Invest $15,000 in This Dividend Stock, Create $5,710.08 in Passive Income

This dividend stock is the perfect option if you're an investor looking for growth, as well as passive income through…

Read more »

A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions with a 100 dollar banknote and dollar coins.
Dividend Stocks

3 Compelling Reasons to Delay Taking CPP Benefits Until Age 70

You don't need to take CPP early if you are receiving large dividend payments from Fortis Inc (TSX:FTS) stock.

Read more »

A worker overlooks an oil refinery plant.
Dividend Stocks

Better Dividend Stock: TC Energy vs. Enbridge

TC Energy and Enbridge have enjoyed big rallies in 2024. Is one stock still cheap?

Read more »

Concept of multiple streams of income
Dividend Stocks

Got $10,000? Buy This Dividend Stock for $4,992.40 in Total Passive Income

Want almost $5,000 in annual passive income? Then you need a company bound for even more growth, with a dividend…

Read more »