A computer hacking investigation by Whitehorse RCMP has revealed hundreds of targeted attempts to access computer networks and steal passcodes across four provinces and territories.

The investigation has resulted in 22 charges against Fearon Nelson Steele of Whitehorse.

The charges allege fraudulent access to computer networks, stolen passcodes and mischief involving interfering with computer data, according to court documents and the RCMP.

Police said today there is no indication that business or personal data besides passcodes were compromised.

Steele appeared in court last Wednesday to face the charges. He is accused of hacking into the networks of nine businesses, organizations and First Nations between 2018 and 2021.

The RCMP’s investigation suggests many more networks had attempts at access.

Seized computer data showed that potentially up to 500 networks had attempts at access in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia and Alberta.

The investigation ultimately determined that more than 300 computer networks were compromised.

According to court documents, affected systems include those at Cathway Water Resources, Macpherson Rentals, Klondike Broadcasting, Klondyke Medical Clinic, SunLife, Total North Communications, White River First Nation, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and the Yukon Employees’ Union.

It is unclear whether there is a pattern to the organizations where access was attempted, or whether anything was done with the passcodes.

The RCMP were contacted today but did not provide more information.

Whitehorse RCMP General Investigation Section worked on the case with assistance from RCMP Digital Forensic Services and the RCMP National Cybercrime Coordination Centre.

The case was opened after a firearms investigation led to the seizure of devices and computers that contained data related to the hacking.

The RCMP did not elaborate further on how these investigations were connected.

The charges allege the the networks were accessed using a wireless network interface controller to capture passwords as they are exchanged between a device and a network.

The RCMP said software is then used to analyze the data to steal the password.

Steele is charged with 13 counts of the unauthorized use of a computer and nine counts of mischief in relation to computer data.

The unauthorized use of a computer charge relates specifically to intercepting any function of a computer system and possessing a computer passcode that enables another offence, such as committing mischief.

Steele is due to appear in court again on Aug. 16.

The RCMP recommended that people and businesses review information on getcybersafe.ca to better protect themselves from cybercrime and fraud.

Incidents of cybercrime or fraud can be reported at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or by calling 1-888-495-8501.