December 2, 2023

Canada’s largest public library system mentioned it’s coping with a cyberattack that introduced down its web site, member providers pages and restricted entry to its digital collections.

The Toronto Public Library serves greater than 1.2 million members with greater than 12 million gadgets unfold throughout 100 branches. It mentioned on Saturday afternoon that it was experiencing technical difficulties with on-line providers in addition to in-branch WiFi and printing.

By Sunday, the city-run group confirmed that it was coping with a cybersecurity incident. The library’s web site has been changed with a brief web page with a press release explaining the scenario.

“On account of the incident, the next providers are unavailable: tpl.ca, “your account”, tpl:map passes and digital collections. Public computer systems and printing providers at our branches are additionally unavailable. Branches are open as scheduled. Wifi is obtainable in library branches, and department phone strains are working,” they mentioned.

“Supplies will be borrowed and returned in branches till additional discover. As of now, there isn’t a proof that the private info of our employees or prospects has been compromised. TPL has proactively ready for cybersecurity points and promptly initiated measures to mitigate potential impacts.”

Officers have employed cybersecurity consultants to resolve the scenario however mentioned it “might take a number of days earlier than all programs are totally restored to regular operations.”

No hacking group has taken credit score for the assault and the group didn’t reply to requests for remark about whether or not it was a ransomware incident or if a ransom could be paid.

Simply six months in the past, Toronto’s authorities confirmed to Recorded Future Information that it had knowledge stolen from its programs by suspected Russia-based ransomware hackers exploiting a difficulty in a well-liked file switch platform.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra handled an information theft incident final 12 months whereas the town beforehand handled a ransomware assault on its public transportation system.

Over the past 12 months, dozens of essentially the most distinguished establishments in Canada have handled ransomware incidents or cyberattacks, together with its largest e book vendor, Air Canada, and the Nationwide Gallery of Canada.

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Jonathan Greig

Jonathan Greig is a Breaking Information Reporter at Recorded Future Information. Jonathan has labored throughout the globe as a journalist since 2014. Earlier than shifting again to New York Metropolis, he labored for information shops in South Africa, Jordan and Cambodia. He beforehand lined cybersecurity at ZDNet and TechRepublic.