Toronto Public Library services hit by cyber attack to slowly return starting in January

TPL said in a statement Thursday that access to services, including its website and public computers, ‘will take weeks’ to restore.

Thestar.com
Nov. 24, 2023
Daniel Ramos

The Toronto Public Library said in a statement on Thursday that their services “will take weeks” to restore.

Calling this an “aggressive timeframe,” TPL said it won’t begin re-establishing access to services until January.

It will be “gradually” reintroducing amenities to ensure the security and integrity of each system before bringing everything back online. The library said its website, tpl.ca, and public computing services are the priorities.

This comes after an Oct. 28 cybersecurity attack on the city’s library system. It is believed that sensitive information of current and former employees was stolen, including names, social insurance numbers, dates of birth, and home addresses.

Mayor Olivia Chow, along with TPL, said the objective is to make the library’s system “as secure as possible.”

In the meantime, some library amenities remain available and include regular opening hours, Wi-Fi, materials that can be borrowed, returned or renewed, select online services and most in-branch programs.

Services not available include the website tpl.ca, public computers, printing, the attractions locator tpl: map passes, some digital collections, the management of holds, library card renewals, as well as self-service hours at the Swansea and Todmorden Room branches.

TPL is offering to help users navigate services by contacting answerline@tpl.ca or calling 416-397-5981