Cyber incident hits sub-contractor of public servants' health plan

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat shared that it has been made aware of the incident in a news release Monday.

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Published Feb 12, 2024 • Last updated 6 hours ago • 1 minute read

“Currently, it is not known with certainty what information held by MSH may have been accessed,” a news release stated. Photo by M-A-U /GETTY IMAGES / ISTOCKPHOTO

A cyber attack is impacting the systems of MSH International, a sub-contractor to Canada Life that, under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP), provides emergency travel and coverage services to federal public service employees and their dependants who are travelling or posted abroad.

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) shared that it has been made aware of the incident in a news release Monday afternoon.

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“Currently, it is not known with certainty what information held by MSH may have been accessed,” the release stated. “MSH and Canada Life are working diligently to investigate the scope of this incident.”

According to the release, MSH has turned off its services to protect its network and data. It has also “retained an external cyber incident response firm to help with safe and prompt service restoration.”

MSH is currently unable to process PSHCP claims. Members also aren’t able to log into the MSH member portal.

“The Government of Canada is meeting with Canada Life on a regular basis to receive updates and monitor progress,” the release stated. “This is an evolving situation and further information will be shared as it becomes available.”

For a proof of coverage letter, TBS said that members can contact Canada Life within North America at 1-855-415-4414 or at 1-431-489-4064 for international calls. For emergency out-of-country service, TBS said members can reach the MSH contact centre by phone within North America at 1-833-774-2700 or at 1-365-337-7427 for international calls.

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