Cybercrime in Calgary 'out of control,' police say
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The Calgary Police Service has stepped up its efforts to curb the rise in cybercrime by creating a cybercrime/forensics unit.
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Despite increased efforts to combat cybercrime, incidents in Calgary increased by 50 per cent last year compared to 2023, according to city police.
According to CPS data, there was a 54 per cent increase in reported ransomware attacks — 43 compared to 28 in 2023.
There was also a 50 per cent increase in cryptocurrency-related losses in 2024, with losses reaching $42.8 million compared to $28.5 million the previous year, the CPS said.
"The increase in cybercrime and attacks on victims is just out of control, really," Deputy Chief Katie McLellan told the Calgary Police Commission on Wednesday.
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