The Weather Network hit by ‘cybersecurity incident,’ says hack impacts website and data systems

A significant cybersecurity incident crippled the data systems for The Weather Network and MeteoMedia websites and mobile apps, leaving countless Canadians without their go-to weather reporting source. On Tuesday, app users were left unable to access local forecasts, causing frustration and inconvenience for millions. The media company, owned by Pelmorex Corp., took to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to announce that they had fallen victim to a cyberattack linked to a third-party service provider. Their dedicated teams promptly initiated efforts to restore services swiftly.

Pelmorex Corp. confirmed the negative impact of the cybersecurity incident, specifying that it solely affected the weather data systems for The Weather Network and MétéoMédia. However, they emphasized that Alert Ready capabilities had not been compromised and continued to function as intended. The Weather Network issued an official statement on X, stating, “Alert Ready capabilities are not impacted and continue to work as intended. Cybersecurity experts have been engaged, and the investigation is ongoing.”

Acknowledging the inconvenience caused, they reassured Canadians that certain services would be gradually restored within the next few hours, with full restoration to happen as soon as possible. Additionally, relevant authorities were promptly notified about the incident, underscoring Pelmorex Corp.’s commitment to handling the situation responsibly. They also expressed their sincere apologies for any inconvenience experienced by users as a result of the incident.

The Weather Network app holds a prominent position among the most popular apps in Canada, boasting over 10 million downloads on Google Play alone. It achieved considerable global popularity in 2017 on the Apple App Store as well, amassing a digital reach of 16.2 million Canadians, according to Pelmorex’s official news release. This incident, therefore, impacted a vast number of users who heavily rely on the app for accurate weather information. Weather enthusiasts and everyday Canadians were left without their trusted weather companion, highlighting the significant disruption caused by the cyberattack.

In the meantime, while the services of The Weather Network and MeteoMedia were being restored, Canadians were advised to access weather forecasts via the Environment Canada website at weather.gc.ca. Despite the inconvenience faced by users, the incident serves as a reminder of the persistent threat cyberattacks pose in our increasingly digitized world. The matter remains under active investigation as cybersecurity experts work diligently to identify the source and impact of the attack, ensuring a comprehensive response to prevent further incidents.

As Canadians eagerly await the full restoration of The Weather Network and MeteoMedia services, attention has turned to Pelmorex Corp.’s cybersecurity measures, with many questioning the vulnerability of third-party service providers. The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the risk factors associated with relying on digital platforms and the need for robust security protocols. Ultimately, as instances of cyber threats persist, the importance of vigilance and proactive security measures cannot be understated in safeguarding the systems we depend on daily.

https://twitter.com/weathernetwork/status/1701723238571663742