Cyber gang behind N.S. breach says it erased stolen data, but experts urge caution

The group posted a note to its website saying it deleted all the data it stole from governments, cities, and police services. Cybersecurity experts warn that the Nova Scotia government should remain on guard, despite Clop’s apparent act of goodwill toward public institutions. Officials said the hack was discovered last week and that the data stolen included social insurance numbers, addresses and banking information. As for Clop’s claim that it erased Nova Scotia’s data, Abrams said some groups have made similar claims and then sold the information, or used it for future extortion. “It is safer to assume that any stolen data is at risk for abuse by the cybercrime operation or other threat actors,” Abrams said in an email.