Work is continuing behind the scenes to restore and secure City Hall’s information technology services. The system was taken off line November 13th after it was discovered the network was compromised by a ransom ware attack.
In a release – the City says there is still no evidence that personal information was accessed or transferred by the attack. However – you are still being cautioned to check your bank account and credit card statements for any unusual activity and report it to your bank or credit union immediately
Most services remain operational including the 9-1-1 Communications Centre. In some cases – employees have developed manual processes to continue the delivery of services. Email – online payments – and some department phone lines remain unavailable as is the city’s full web site. There is a temporary web site available here.
Payment of water bills – parking permits – and tickets by cash or cheque is available at the Customer Service Centre on the first floor of City Hall. The good news is late payment or penalty increases will not be charged on parking tickets as of November 13th.
City officials have not released the amount of ransom being demanded or if payment will be made. Shortly after the attack was discovered – City Manager John Collin told reporters all options were on the table to restore I-T services as quickly and securely as possible.
