Nelson Cares Society deals with cyber-security incident
By The Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson Cares said that cyber-security attack that removed more than $550,000 from one of the society’s bank accounts has had minimal impact on our front-line care.
“To date, the loss of funds has had minimal impact on our front-line care or any of the programming we deliver due to the use of internal reserve funds,” Nelson Cares Executive Director Jac Nobiss said in a media release Thursday.
“Our server system, client, funder, and donor information are completely protected,” Nobiss added.
Nelson Cares said the cyber-security incident where $596,694 was fraudulently removed from one of the bank accounts happened in July of 2022.
Nelson Cares said the society is currently working with Nelson Police and Nelson and District Credit Union to retrieve the missing funds.
“To date, $211,079 has been recovered, and we are currently working with the Nelson Police Department and the Nelson District Credit Union to have the remaining funds of $ 385,615 returned,” Jac Nobiss said.
Nelson Cares said once the attack was found, staff worked diligently to preserve confidence of the community and those served by the not-for-profit organization.
“We will continue to provide service excellence in all that we do to ensure the most vulnerable are cared for with the highest standard of care as always,” Jac Nobiss said.
“People who are housed in Nelson CARES facilities are not at any risk of losing their housing.”
Nelson Cares said that jobs of society staff and individuals supporting the organization remain safe after senior management was able to move and shift within budgets to sustain jobs at all levels.
Nelson Cares said the Board of Directors been meeting regularly since the incident to bring the society back to a state of whole.
“We have the full, unwavering support of our funding partners who are standing with us to provide resources and assistance if, and when needed,” Nobiss explained.
“We are extremely appreciative of this amazing collegial connection of respect and trust from the community and our partners.”
Nelson CARES Society, working toward a socially just society by providing programs and initiatives in advocacy, housing, employment, support services, and environmental stewardship, has been a pillar in Nelson for 48 years and has a healthy position within this community.
“We will all continue to work together and bring this situation to a positive close,” Nobiss said.
