The Canada Revenue Agency has temporarily shut down online services after thousands of accounts were targeted by hackers.

The CRA says the incident was part of a broader cyberattack using what’s known as a “credential stuffing” scam.

Usernames and passwords, previously stolen from the internet, were used by the hackers to apply for a slew of federal programs and benefits.

The move to suspend online services comes as many Canadians and businesses have been using the CRA website to apply for, and access, financial support related to the COVID-19 pandemic.