The body that regulates engineers and geologists in Alberta reported a "significant data breach" when all the names and email addresses of its 75,000 members were given to an unknown party as a result of a phishing event.

The database of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) was breached at around 11:45 a.m. Monday.

"We apologize for this significant breach in privacy and are currently focusing all of our efforts on preventing any further occurrence," the APEGA website reads.

The web page warns members not to respond to emails that appear to originate with APEGA or provide personal information such as member ID, credit cards or passwords.

APEGA's member self-service centre has been temporarily suspended and members are urged to visit the agency's website for updates.

The association's authority is derived from the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act.