In July 2017, police received a report from a local business regarding an alleged hacking of their IT infrastructure. The suspect reportedly infiltrated the company’s IT network, took control of their email and smart phone servers and subsequently demanded payment in the form of Bitcoins to prevent any further damage to their network.
Following a thorough investigation, the EPS Cyber Crime Investigations Unit was able to identify the alleged suspect and believes he is responsible for network intrusions to at least four Edmonton-based companies.
“The network intrusions appeared to be financially motivated,” says Acting Detective Phil Hawkins with the EPS Cyber Crime Investigations Unit. “Once the networks were accessed, the suspect targeted financial data, including online store accounts and email accounts from the companies and their employees.”
“This type of intrusion can result in significant losses to a business, including time and resources. In this case, the businesses affected suffered an estimated $1.5 million in combined damages.”
Jeffrey Johnston, 37, has been charged with 18 criminal offences, including mischief in relation to computer data (x3), fraudulently obtaining computer service (x2), mischief relating to data (x2), unauthorized use of computer services (x2), theft under $5000 (x3), theft over $5,000 and extortion.