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Post: Hamilton’s IT Infrastructure Compromised by Cybersecurity Breach: Citywide Disruptions Affect Communications and Transit Systems
Hamilton’s IT Infrastructure Compromised by Cybersecurity Breach: Citywide Disruptions Affect Communications and Transit Systems The City of Hamilton has reported a cybersecurity breach affecting its information technology (IT) systems, which began on Sunday. This incident has led to widespread disruptions in the city’s phone and email communications, including the Bus Check Info Line. The issue was disclosed over 20 hours ago on X, previously known as Twitter.
On Monday morning, the city announced that its IT specialists promptly initiated an investigation to control the situation. Currently, professionals are diligently working to identify the cause and assess the potential repercussions. The city emphasized its commitment to maintaining the security of its systems and the confidentiality of any sensitive data.
The city reassured the public of its serious approach to resolving the problem, stating its collaboration with cybersecurity experts and authorities to expedite recovery efforts. It also highlighted its dedication to preserving community privacy and security while addressing service disruptions.
UPDATE: 2024-02-29
City of Hamilton enters 3rd day of ‘cybersecurity incident’
Hamilton’s IT Infrastructure Compromised by Cybersecurity Breach: Citywide Disruptions Affect Communications and Transit Systems
The cybersecurity breach has also affected the city’s public transit, with Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) reporting that the automatic bus stop announcements are not functioning. HSR advised passengers to communicate with bus operators for help, noting the impact on the HSRNow app and the unavailability of its email and phone services. Despite these challenges, buses are operating on schedule, albeit without computerized schedule assistance, and customer patience is appreciated.
HSR added that DARTS services are operating as usual, while the Hamilton Public Library (HPL) reported outages in its website and phone services. HPL is striving to restore services and has kept its central library and branches open, although digital resources and equipment are currently inaccessible.
This cybersecurity incident is part of a broader trend of cyber attacks targeting public institutions in Ontario, including the Toronto Public Library, Laurentian University, and several hospitals in southwestern Ontario.
UPDATE:
The City of Hamilton is in the midst of dealing with the aftermath of a cyberattack that took place during the previous weekend.
This cybersecurity breach, which occurred on February 25, has had a significant impact on various city-operated systems. The specifics of the cyberattack have been minimally disclosed, with city officials stating they are collaborating with cybersecurity experts, insurance companies, and legal advisors to conduct a thorough investigation.
Officials have communicated via a city website bulletin, stating, “It is currently premature to determine the nature of the information that may have been compromised.”
In connection with this incident:
- The investigation into the cyberattack on Hamilton’s systems continues.
- City officials have emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality during the ongoing investigation and have committed to providing updates as they become available
The following services have been disrupted:
Taxes: Residents can still pay property taxes through banks or by postal service. The city’s Municipal Service Centres are operational, albeit with certain limitations. Those enrolled in pre-authorized payment schemes might experience delays in payment processing.
Services such as the city’s eBilling portal, property inquiry tool, and online tax services are currently unavailable.
Telephone Lines: All city telephone lines are non-operational, including those for city council members and various program areas, except for the customer contact center (905-546-2489), which warns of potential long wait times due to reduced operational capacity.
Transit: The Hamilton City transit planning app is down, along with the service’s email and phone lines. In lieu of this, PDF schedules of bus routes are being posted on the city’s website.
Bus drivers are operating without electronic schedule assistance or stop announcements. Commuters in need of help should communicate directly with bus operators.
DARTS Transit, providing wheelchair-accessible services, and PRESTO are not affected.
Ontario Works and Special Supports: Ontario Works offices are operational, ensuring the issuance of monthly payments. However, communication via phone and the MyBenefits portal is disrupted, and in-person appointments have been suspended.
Other City Services: The city is currently unable to process payments to vendors, who are advised to continue submitting invoices for future processing.
Online services for waste and recycling, including green bin and blue box requests and bulk pickup arrangements, are unavailable.
Child care services, specifically concerning fees and subsidies, have been suspended.
Recreation and senior centers, including long-term care facilities, have lost phone service but remain operational.
The city’s GIS Systems are offline, restricting access to interactive zoning maps.
Water and wastewater services, municipal and citizen service centers remain operational.
Council Meetings: All committee meetings are canceled until March 1 due to the system outage, and there is no internet access in the council chambers.
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About the Author: Bernard Aybout (Virii8)
