Statement on Iran’s malicious cyber activity affecting Albania

September 22, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety, today issued the following statement:

“Canada strongly condemns the malicious cyber activity that targeted Albania in July 2022. Canada joins its allies Albania, the United Kingdom and the United States in attributing this activity to Iran.

“On July 17, Albania’s National Agency of Information issued a statement indicating that it was forced to shut down access to online public services and other government web sites due to a synchronized and sophisticated cyber incident.

“Canada’s analysis is consistent with its allies’ in finding that Iranian state actors were behind this incident, which disrupted certain government services to Albanians. 

“This incident demonstrates Iran’s complete disregard for the rules-based international system and for responsible state behaviour. It also demonstrates Iran’s willingness to use its cyber capabilities to undermine government institutions and societies.

“Canada, in conjunction with our partners and allies, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, will continue to advance a stable cyberspace built on the applicability of and respect for international law and the norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

“In addition to the incident on July 17, Canada notes and condemns the malicious cyber activity that targeted Albania on September 9.

“The Communications Security Establishment’s Canadian Centre for Cyber Security reminds the Canadian cybersecurity community, especially infrastructure network defenders, to be vigilant against sophisticated cyber threats. The Cyber Centre encourages all Canadians to follow the most up-to-date advice and guidance at cyber.gc.ca.’’