Canadian spy agency says it hacked drug traffickers, extremists, and a ransomware gang last year

OTTAWA Canada's Communications Security Establishment conducted a handful of state-authorized hacks last year to disrupt the operations of drug traffickers, violent extremists and a ransomware gang, according to the agency's annual report. The disclosures in the Canadian intelligence agency's annual report for 2025-2026 underscore some of the main national security threats that face Canada and its closest allies, ranging from the import of illegal drugs to cyberattacks. The spy agency, CSE, is tasked with collecting foreign intelligence, defending government systems and disrupting online adversaries. The agency said it undertook concurrent technical disruptions against 10 of the most significant ransomware gangs targeting Canada. Another operation involved disrupting a ransomware-as-a-service operation that let hackers rent access to a ransomware gang's infrastructure to launch destructive extortion attacks. Offering a rare glimpse at the priorities of a top spy organization, the report details the operations.