Blackmail Attempt on N.S. Legislator Involves Bitcoin Extortion

• •Rick Burns was targeted in a bitcoin extortion scheme after refusing to pay hackers.
• •Personal images of Burns and his wife were released as retaliation for non-payment.
• •The RCMP is investigating the incident, which reflects a broader trend of increasing ransomware attacks.

Rick Burns, a member of the Nova Scotia legislature, was targeted in a blackmail scheme where hackers accessed his email and demanded payment in bitcoin. After refusing to pay, the hackers retaliated by releasing personal photos and videos of Burns and his wife. The RCMP is investigating the incident, which involved a hack of Burns' personal device. Although Burns mentioned multiple hackers, the RCMP is currently focusing on one individual. Premier Tim Houston condemned the attack, emphasizing the threat to public officials and democracy. The incident highlights the growing trend of ransomware and extortion attacks, which have surged in Canada, particularly with the rise of cryptocurrency. The Communications Security Establishment of Canada reported a 26% annual increase in ransomware attacks since 2021. This incident has prompted the provincial government to issue updated cybersecurity guidance to its employees.