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Tax Tip – Cyber Month: How the Canada Revenue Agency protects your information

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OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 28, 2024 /CNW/ – As we approach the end of this year’s Cyber Month, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is reiterating the importance of safeguarding personal information from ever-evolving cyber security threats.

The security of taxpayer information is of the utmost importance for the CRA and we are continually enhancing our security measures to help prevent unauthorized access to taxpayers’ information:

Multi-factor authentication

The CRA implemented multi-factor authentication (MFA) as a mandatory enhanced security measure for all individuals, businesses, and representatives who access the CRA sign-in services. Individuals are required to enter a one-time passcode every time they access the CRA sign-in services. For registration and more information, visit the multi-factor authentication web page.

Revoking at risk CRA user IDs and passwords

To help prevent incidents of unauthorized access and safeguard taxpayers’ information, the CRA conducts routine checks and analyses to identify CRA user IDs and passwords that may have been obtained by unauthorized parties that are external to the CRA. As a preventative measure, the CRA revokes the identified CRA user IDs and passwords, and provides impacted individuals with the information they need to regain access to their account.

Identity Protection Services

The CRA established a dedicated Identity Protection Services (IPS) program to provide a single point of contact for individual taxpayers to resolve identity theft concerns. The IPS program reviews all cases of potential identity theft, dealing directly with identity theft victims to ensure that their taxpayer account is restored and remains protected from unauthorized activity.

Mandatory email on file

My Account users are required to have an email address on file with the CRA to help protect their accounts from fraudulent activity. This security feature allows individuals to receive email notifications when changes have been made to their account, including changes to their address and direct deposit information. If a user has received an email that an update has been made to their account, but they have not authorized any changes, they should contact the CRA immediately.

As scammers adapt their practices, so does the CRA. We regularly adjust and improve our security measures to safeguard sensitive information against ever-evolving threats and ensure a multi-layered approach to protect our systems from threat actors. The CRA regularly performs security assessments, such as vulnerability scanning, penetration testing and security risk assessments on the CRA’s digital services.

Protecting accounts and informing taxpayers

The rise in fraud and identity theft is a global trend. In Canada, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has reported a rise in reported scams and fraud. Internationally, responses to these rising trends include the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement convening a special working group targeting cybercrime. This is also a key area of focus for the OECD (Financial consumer protection|OECD).

Since 2020, there has been an increase in the number of identity theft cases and unauthorized use of taxpayer information by a third party (UUTP). This appears to be driven by data breaches at third-party organizations enabling threat actors to obtain user credentials, the introduction of new or revised benefits administered by the CRA, and increased risks from social media, e-commerce, digital services, and cryptocurrencies, which offer new avenues for exploitation. Since the CRA began tracking cases of UUTP affecting individuals from May 11, 2020, to August 26, 2024, there have been more than 31,000 confirmed privacy breaches.

It is important to note that as soon as the CRA becomes aware of an alleged incident of identity theft, or suspects an account could be the target of a threat actor, it takes swift and immediate precautionary measures on the client’s account, such as locking it to prevent transactions, and conducting an in-depth review. The volume and complex nature of these cases limits our ability to report these breaches to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) immediately upon confirmation. The CRA is working closely with the OPC and TBS on a way forward.

Additionally, after confirming a breach, the CRA contacts the impacted individuals directly to make them aware of the incident, advises them of the measures the CRA is taking to protect their information, and outlines the steps they can take to further protect their account. In cases where a privacy breach may result in an immediate risk to the broader Canadian public, the CRA may choose to alert Canadians so that they can protect themselves from possible harm. For instance, in 2020, the CRA issued a general warning about credential stuffing attacks, and strongly encouraged Canadians to avoid reusing passwords. However, the priority is to notify affected individuals. 

How taxpayers can protect their CRA accounts

In addition to the CRA’s ongoing security enhancements, there are several steps Canadians can take to protect their CRA accounts:

Regularly monitor their CRA account for suspicious activity such as unexpected account changes or benefit applications made without their consent. This practice ensures that any suspicious activity is promptly addressed.Regularly change passwords and security questions and ensure they remain confidential. User IDs and passwords should be unique to a CRA account and passwords must be complex so they cannot be guessed.Keep contact information (mailing address, email address, phone number) up to date as the CRA contacts taxpayers if suspicious activity is detected on their account.

What to do if a taxpayer’s account has been compromised

If an individual suspects that their CRA account has been compromised due to suspicious activity, they should report the incident to the CRA, inform other authorities (banks, credit bureaus, local police) and notify the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If a taxpayer’s account information has been compromised, the CRA will take action to secure their account.

Contacts

Media Relations
Canada Revenue Agency
613-948-8366
cra-arc.media@cra-arc.gc.ca

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SOURCE Canada Revenue Agency

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HelloNation Article Highlights Sterile Compounding and Medication Safety With Insights From Compounding Pharmacist Expert Laura Temple

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July 21, 2026

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The article explains how sterile compounded medications are prepared to reduce the risk of contamination and support safe, customized treatments.

AZLE, Texas, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does sterile compounding mean for medication safety? HelloNation has published an article explaining how sterile compounding helps pharmacies prepare highly specialized medications while adhering to strict contamination-prevention procedures.

The article features insights from Laura Temple, Compounding Pharmacist Expert and Owner of Laura’s Pharmacy in Azle, Texas. It explains that sterile compounding is a specialized process for preparing medications in carefully controlled environments designed to reduce the risk of contamination. Sterile compounded medications are often used for injections, eye drops, IV medications, and other therapies that require the highest levels of cleanliness and precision.

The HelloNation article explains that sterile compounded medications differ from commercially manufactured drugs because they are prepared individually for a patient’s unique medical needs. Physicians may prescribe compounded prescriptions when a patient requires a customized dosage, a combination medication, or a treatment not commercially available. Because these medications often bypass the body’s natural defenses, medication safety depends on strict preparation standards throughout the compounding process.

The article describes how pharmacies that provide sterile compounding rely on cleanroom environments equipped with filtered-air systems, specialized equipment, and contamination-prevention protocols. Pharmacists and technicians follow detailed gowning, sterilization, and handwashing procedures before handling medication ingredients. These measures are designed to support medication safety by limiting exposure to bacteria, particles, and other contaminants.

According to the article, environmental monitoring also plays a critical role in sterile compounding. Temperature control, air quality testing, and routine equipment inspections help maintain consistent preparation standards. The article notes that sterile compounded medications may undergo additional quality assurance checks before being dispensed to patients. These procedures help support both treatment effectiveness and patient safety.

The HelloNation article also explains that pharmacies performing sterile compounding are expected to follow USP guidelines established for sterile preparation. These USP guidelines outline requirements for cleanroom pharmacy operations, environmental testing, employee training, and quality assurance practices. The article emphasizes that maintaining compliance with USP guidelines helps reinforce contamination prevention and consistent preparation standards for compounded prescriptions.

Patients seeking sterile compounded medications may also look for pharmacies that participate in accreditation programs or are overseen by state boards. The article explains that these programs review safety procedures, documentation practices, and facility standards to help maintain medication safety. Regular environmental monitoring and staff competency evaluations are also identified as important safeguards in sterile compounding operations.

The article further explains that communication between pharmacists, healthcare providers, and patients remains an important part of safe compounded prescriptions. Compounding pharmacists review prescriptions carefully, confirm dosing instructions, and evaluate ingredient compatibility before preparation begins. This collaborative approach supports medication safety by reducing the risk of errors and ensuring treatments meet individual patient needs.

The article concludes that sterile compounding continues to play an important role in healthcare, particularly for patients requiring customized therapies that are unavailable through traditional manufacturing channels. Whether preparing IV medications, injectable therapies, or other sterile compounded medications, pharmacies rely on contamination prevention procedures and strict preparation standards to support patient care. The article notes that understanding how sterile compounding works can help patients feel more informed about the safety measures involved in preparing specialized medications.

What Sterile Compounding Means for Medication Safety features insights from Laura Temple, a compounding pharmacist expert at Laura’s Pharmacy in Azle, Texas, on HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hellonation-article-highlights-sterile-compounding-and-medication-safety-with-insights-from-compounding-pharmacist-expert-laura-temple-302831275.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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CIOs Forced to Rethink Manual Compliance Processes as Regulatory Complexity Rises, Says Info-Tech Research Group

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46 minutes ago

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July 21, 2026

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Regulatory demands are increasing in volume, complexity, and speed, leaving many organizations reliant on fragmented, manual approaches that slow response times and increase risk. New insights from Info-Tech Research Group show that organizations need to adopt more structured and scalable approaches to keep pace with regulatory change. The firm’s recently published blueprint, Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine, provides frameworks, tools, and step-by-step guidance to help organizations translate regulatory requirements into actionable IT controls and prioritized initiatives.

ARLINGTON, Va., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Growing regulatory pressure across jurisdictions is forcing organizations to rethink how they interpret, prioritize, and execute compliance requirements. Many IT teams continue to operate with inconsistent processes and limited coordination, resulting in delayed initiatives and increased exposure to financial and reputational risk. Info-Tech’s blueprint, Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine, introduces a coordinated and repeatable approach to help IT leaders operationalize compliance and improve execution outcomes.

Info-Tech’s findings indicate that while organizations recognize the need for faster and more consistent regulatory response, they continue to face barriers such as fragmented interpretation of requirements, weak prioritization, and limited scalability. AI-enabled tools can help streamline analysis and accelerate response planning, but without a coordinated approach grounded in governance and human oversight, those benefits are difficult to realize.

“Regulatory response is becoming too complex to manage through disconnected, manual processes,” says Ahmad Jowhar, senior research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. “IT leaders need a repeatable way to interpret requirements, prioritize action, and use AI to accelerate planning without losing the governance and oversight needed to execute effectively.”

Key Challenges IT Leaders Face in Regulatory Response

Despite ongoing investments in compliance, organizations continue to face systemic challenges that hinder effective execution. Info-Tech’s blueprint highlights several areas where IT and compliance leaders struggle most:

Fragmented and manual processes that slow regulatory interpretation and response.Inconsistent application of regulatory requirements across teams and jurisdictions.Poor prioritization of IT initiatives, leading to missed deadlines and duplicated effort.Limited scalability to manage increasing regulatory volume and complexity.Misalignment between compliance activities and broader business priorities.

Info-Tech’s Framework for Building a Regulatory IT Response Engine

To address these challenges, Info-Tech recommends a structured, AI-enabled approach that improves consistency, speed, and scalability. The firm’s Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine blueprint outlines the following key priorities for IT leaders:

Define the regulatory landscape: Establish organizational context, governance structures, and a centralized inventory of applicable regulations.Translate requirements into IT controls: Use AI-enabled analysis and structured assessments to convert regulatory obligations into actionable controls.Prioritize IT initiatives: Align initiatives based on cost, effort, impact, and regulatory timelines to reduce execution risk.Build and communicate a roadmap: Develop a clear, resource-aligned roadmap to guide execution and stakeholder alignment.Establish a repeatable process: Continuously monitor, adapt, and refine regulatory response capabilities to maintain compliance over time.

Organizations that adopt this structured approach can move from reactive compliance efforts to a more proactive and scalable model that shortens response timelines, reduces manual effort, and strengthens execution.

The firm’s Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine blueprint includes practical tools such as a Regulation Inventory Tool, a Regulatory Response IT Action Plan Tool, a Communication Deck Template, and a Compliance Program Framework. By applying these resources, IT leaders can standardize regulatory responses, improve prioritization, and help ensure compliance initiatives are executed on time and in alignment with business priorities.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech’s experts, including Ahmad Jowhar, and access to the complete Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is the “get things done” partner for over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing leaders worldwide. The fastest growing research and advisory firm, Info-Tech enables leaders to make well-informed decisions and transform their organizations through AI, strategic foresight, step-by-step methodologies, practical tools, industry-leading advisory, and training programs. For nearly 30 years, tens of thousands of private and public organizations have trusted Info-Tech to lead their most important initiatives through periods of change and deliver outcomes that truly matter.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm’s SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cios-forced-to-rethink-manual-compliance-processes-as-regulatory-complexity-rises-says-info-tech-research-group-302831286.html

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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Atomera to Announce Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Host Webinar on Tuesday, August 4, 2026

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46 minutes ago

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July 21, 2026

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LOS GATOS, Calif., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Atomera Incorporated (NASDAQ: ATOM), a semiconductor materials and technology licensing company, announced today that it plans to release its second quarter 2026 financial results after the market closes on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026.

The company will host a live video Zoom webinar at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, to discuss the results. The live webinar can be accessed through Atomera’s investor relations website at https://ir.atomera.com. A replay of the webcast will be available for 12 months. To pre-register for the webinar, use the following link.

https://atomera.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OJFbTWe1SIyV69LLdDadCw

About Atomera

Atomera Incorporated is a semiconductor materials and technology licensing company focused on deploying its proprietary, silicon-proven technology into the semiconductor industry. Atomera has developed Mears Silicon Technology™ (MST®), which increases performance and power efficiency in semiconductor transistors. MST can be implemented using equipment already deployed in semiconductor manufacturing facilities and is complementary to other nano-scaling technologies already in the semiconductor industry roadmap.  More information can be found at www.atomera.com 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atomera-to-announce-second-quarter-2026-financial-results-and-host-webinar-on-tuesday-august-4-2026-302830602.html

SOURCE Atomera Incorporated

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