CRA says online services to be restored by Wednesday following hack

The Canada Revenue Agency says its online services will be fully restored by Wednesday.

The system was shut down on the weekend after hackers used thousands of stolen usernames and passwords to obtain government services.

Officials say about 5,600 CRA accounts were targeted.

Hackers used what officials call “credential stuffing” schemes, where passwords and usernames from other websites were used to access CRA accounts.

The government says Canadians to use unique passwords for all online accounts.

The RCMP is investigating the breaches.

The suspension of CRA’s online services comes as many Canadians are using the website to access financial support related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canadians can still apply for benefit programs by calling 1-800-959-8281.