By Canadian Press

Series of gaps allowed massive Desjardins data breach, privacy watchdog says

Dec 14, 2020 | 6:32 AM

OTTAWA — The federal privacy watchdog says a series of technological and administrative gaps caused a high-profile data breach at Desjardins — the largest in the Canadian financial services sector.

In a report today, privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien says Desjardins did not demonstrate the level of attention needed to protect the sensitive personal information entrusted to its care.

The incident compromised the data of nearly 9.7 million Canadians.

Therrien says that for at least 26 months, a malicious employee was siphoning sensitive personal information collected by Desjardins from customers who had purchased or received products through the organization.

The commissioner says the investigation into the breach sheds light on the risks of internal threats, whether they are intentional or not.

New Heights

Olivia Lundman to compete in marathon distance at World Race Walking Championships

21h ago

The Hard Way

Clippers comeback to beat the Bulldogs for second straight playoff win

Apr 05, 2026

significant work

Ladysmith's enhanced Forrest Field project nears completion

Apr 04, 2026

Therrien’s office and the Commission d’accès à l’information du Québec, which also published its decision today, co-ordinated their respective probes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 14, 2020.

The Canadian Press