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Daily Brief

The PSEPC Daily Brief is a compilation of summaries of publicly available and PSEPC information concerning critical infrastructure protection and emergency management.

DOB05-225 - 24 November 2005

News

PSEPC releases Update to Advisory AV05-036
Further to PSEPC Daily Brief DOB05-223, on November 23, PSEPC released and Update to Advisory AV05-036 to bring attention to Microsoft’s release of Security Advisory 911302, which addresses the issue reported in AV05-036: Vulnerability in the way Internet Explorer Handles Mismatched Document Object Model Objects Could Allow Remote Code Execution. The update provides additions to the affected platforms, and suggested actions.
(Source: Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, 24 November 2005)
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Federal government announces new passenger rail and mass transit security initiatives
On November 23, federal Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Anne McLellan announced initial steps, including funding of $110 million for an Immediate Action Plan, to enhance the security of Canada's passenger rail, public transit and domestic ferry systems. The Immediate Action Plan will provide financial assistance to high-volume commuter rail and public transit operators in six urban areas- Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Other communities are also eligible for assistance to carry out security assessments and develop plans. The announcement builds on the federal government’s $9-billion commitment to enhancing Canada's national security, which includes more than $3 billion allocated to transportation security initiatives.
(Source: Transport Canada, 23 November 2005)
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Avian influenza: Update
Further to PSEPC Daily Brief DOB05-220, on November 24, the Ministry of Health in China has confirmed an additional human case of H5N1 avian influenza. A 35-year-old farm worker was admitted to hospital and died. This is the third laboratory-confirmed case reported in China and the second incident of the disease from the southeastern Province of Anhui. The Chinese Ministry of Health has invited the World Heath Organization (WHO) to participate in a joint mission to Anhui. The WHO mission will further investigate the two reported cases.
(Source: World Health Organization, November 24, 2005)
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Since December 2003, there have been 131 cases of H5N1 avian influenza resulting in 68 deaths in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and China.
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Avian influenza in B.C.: Update
Further to PSEPC Daily Brief DOB05-224, on November 23, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced that the depopulation of birds on the first infected farm in B.C. is now completed and the depopulation of birds on the second premise is underway. All premises within five kilometres of the two farms are expected to be placed under quarantine.
(Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 23 November 2005)
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In brief

Road closures and river watch advisories for New Brunswick
On November 23, the New Brunswick (N.B.) Department of Transportation issued an advisory for road closures, warning of potential risks to motorists due to recent rainfall. The advisory coincides with a N.B. government’s river watch warning regarding elevated levels along the St. John River and Nashwaak River.
(Source: New Brunswick, 23 November 2005)
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Manitoba government emergency planning for influenza pandemic: Guidelines available to local governments
On November 23, the Manitoba government made available provincial guidelines that will assist local governments with planning and preparing for a potential influenza pandemic. The guidelines are intended to assist local governments in identifying potential problems and providing solutions.
(Source: Manitoba, 23 November 2005)
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Cyber risk assessment

Over the course of the past 24 hours, the Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre (CCIRC) has become aware of three new worm variants for Sober, Bagle and Mytob circulating in the wild, affecting networks mail gateways. Anti-virus vendors are deploying signature files as fast as they become available. Users are reminded to pay particular attention when opening e-mails or attachments, regardless of the originator.

No other significant incidents with the potential to affect critical infrastructure have been reported. Accordingly, based on the information available to CCIRC, the cyber risk facing Canadian critical infrastructure is assessed as medium. Personnel responsible for information, systems and network security should continue to apply appropriate security precautions and monitor their systems.

Recent cyber alerts and advisories issued by CCIRC can be viewed under “Recent analytical releases” at www.psepc.gc.ca/ccirc.

See also...

• The Weather Office
• FAC - Travel Updates

Note to readers

Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) collects information related to cyber and physical threats to, and incidents involving, Canadian critical infrastructure. This allows us to monitor and analyze threats and to issue alerts, advisories and other information products. To report threats or incidents, please contact the Government Operations Centre (GOC) at (613) 991-7000 or goc-cog@psepc-sppcc.gc.ca by e-mail.

Unauthorized use of computer systems and mischief in relation to data are serious Criminal Code offences in Canadas. Any suspected criminal activity should be reported to local law enforcement organizations. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) National Operations Centre (N.O.C.) provides a 24/7 service to receive such reports or to redirect callers to local law enforcement organizations. The N.O.C. can be reached at (613) 993-4460. National security concerns should be reported to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) at (613) 993-9620.

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