The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has launched a criminal investigation as it is experiencing a major cybersecurity attack targeting its networks.

In an email sent to staff on Friday, Paul L. Brown, Chief Security Officer of the RCMP, said the police are managing a "cyber event" and urged employees to remain vigilant.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has launched a criminal investigation as it is experiencing a major cybersecurity attack targeting its networks.

In an email sent to staff on Friday, Paul L. Brown, Chief Security Officer of the RCMP, said the police are managing a "cyber event" and urged employees to remain vigilant.

A spokesperson for the RCMP stated in a statement that the situation is developing rapidly, but at this time, there is no impact on RCMP operations and no known threat to the safety and security of Canadians.

He added, “While a breach of this magnitude is concerning, the swift action and mitigation strategies put in place demonstrate the important steps the RCMP has taken to detect and prevent these types of threats."

The RCMP says it is working to determine the extent of the security breach.