Toronto responds to recent ransomware assaults on its zoo and library by unifying IT systems for enhanced cybersecurity, ensuring city-wide protection. (IT World Canada)
The city of Toronto has opted to consolidate its various organizational IT systems following severe ransomware attacks on its zoo and public library, as reported by the Toronto Star. Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized the city's commitment to enhancing cybersecurity, stating that the main system is among the most secure in North America, trailing only behind New York.
Various city agencies, such as the library, zoo, and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), currently operate on independent IT systems. The decision to integrate these systems was prompted by recent attacks on the Toronto Zoo earlier this month and the Toronto Public Library in October. During the library breach, sensitive information pertaining to current and former staff, including names, social insurance numbers, date of birth, and home addresses, was compromised. Additionally, copies of government-issued identification documents provided by staff were likely accessed.
As of now, the library has not fully restored its systems. An update from the institution mentioned that while the home page of its website is expected to be restored by the end of the month, online access to the complete catalog and user accounts will not be reinstated until February.
The statement issued by the library indicated progress in restoring network connectivity to over 3,000 staff computers, a necessary step before reconnecting the 2,000 public computers to the network. Public computer access for internet connectivity in library branches is anticipated to resume in early February. However, a specific date for reinstating users' ability to print documents from public computers has yet to be determined.
