# Statement on SolarWinds Cyber Compromise

**[canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2021/04/statement-on-solarwinds-cyber-compromise.html](https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2021/04/statement-on-solarwinds-cyber-compromise.html)**

Global Affairs Canada

**From:** **[Global Affairs Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs.html)**

## Statement

Today, Canada joins the United States and international partners in voicing our concerns
related to a Russian cyber-espionage campaign that exploited the SolarWinds Orion
platform.

April 15, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Bill Blair,
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Harjit S.
Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, today issued the following statement:

“Today, Canada joins the United States and international partners in voicing our concerns
related to a Russian cyber-espionage campaign that exploited the SolarWinds Orion
platform.

“We learned in December 2020 that a highly skilled cyber-actor compromised the networks
of thousands of SolarWinds customers, including over a hundred Canadian entities, by
installing malware through program updates. This allowed the actor to target a smaller
subset of those victims with additional malware for cyber-espionage purposes. This
compromise has forced third parties to conduct costly mitigation activities and may have
undermined public confidence in downloading software updates.

“Although no known Canadian entities have been exploited to date, the investigation
continues. It will likely be years before the full extent of the compromises caused by this
campaign are known.

“Canada assesses that APT29, also named ‘The Dukes’ or ‘Cozy Bear’ was responsible for
this activity, and almost certainly operates as part of Russian Intelligence Services (SVR).

“This activity is concerning given other Russian state-sponsored actors’ history of disruptive
and destabilizing cyber activities. We are voicing our concern to highlight the importance of
strengthening our country’s cyber security.

“Cyber security is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges
countries face. Canadians must trust that they can safely work and live online. A free, open,
and secure cyberspace is critical to Canada’s economy, social activity, democracy and


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national security.

“We are committed to working diligently with the United States, close partners and allies to
foster stability in cyberspace and promote Canadians’ safety and security.”

**Previous Russian Cyber Threat Activity**

“In recent years, Canada has repeatedly called out Russia’s disregard for agreed-upon
norms on state behaviour in cyberspace, specifically Russian malicious cyber activity
targeting COVID-19 vaccine development in Canada, the UK and US; the NotPetya global
cyber outbreaks; and a cyber campaign that interfered with Georgia’s democratic process.”

## Related products

[Backgrounder – SolarWinds Cyber Compromise](https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2021/04/solarwinds-cyber-compromise.html)

## Associated links

[Canada’s international cyber policy](https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-enjeux_developpement/peace_security-paix_securite/cyber_policy-politique_cyberspace.aspx?lang=eng)
Canada expresses concern over pattern of malicious cyber activity by Russian military
intelligence

## Contacts

Syrine Khoury

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

[Syrine.Khoury@international.gc.ca](http://10.10.0.46/mailto:Syrine.Khoury@international.gc.ca)

Todd Lane

Director of Communications

Office of the Minister of National Defence

613-996-3100

[Todd.Lane@forces.gc.ca](http://10.10.0.46/mailto:Todd.Lane@forces.gc.ca)

Media Relations Office

Communications Security Establishment

[media@cse-cst.gc.ca](http://10.10.0.46/mailto:media@cse-cst.gc.ca)

Mary-Liz Power

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

[mary-liz.power@canada.ca](http://10.10.0.46/mailto:mary-liz.power@canada.ca)


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Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
[ps.mediarelations-relationsaveclesmedias.sp@canada.ca](http://10.10.0.46/mailto:ps.mediarelations-relationsaveclesmedias.sp@canada.ca)

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**Date modified:**
2021-04-15


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