Ransomware attack behind Toronto Public Library service interruption, library says

A ransomware attack is behind a more than week-long service interruption at Toronto Public Library, the library says.

TPL confirmed the nature of the attack in a statement Tuesday morning, saying it has "engaged with" third-party cybersecurity experts and law enforcement to help resolve the situation.

"TPL has proactively prepared for cybersecurity issues and promptly initiated measures to mitigate potential impacts," the statement reads.

Telephone lines and wi-fi are still operational at all library branches, which are open as scheduled, the TPL statement says. 

TPL spokesperson Ana-Maria Critchley told CBC News there's still no evidence that any personal information related to customers or staff has been compromised.

While the attack is being investigated, some library users say the service interruption is an inconveniene. 

Sharon Elaine, an artist in Cabbagetown, says she uses the computers at her local branch to write and work on projects.

"I have to get projects practiced and done," she told CBC. "I have to do [them] by pen and paper."

Kyle Simmons says he goes to the branch near College and Spadina regularly to take out books and movies. He says that's been a little less efficient this week, but he's more frustrated with the loss of digital borrowing, saying he streams and borrows books digitally all the time.

However, he says these amount to small annoyances, and he's not worried that TPL has blamed the interruption on a ransomware attack.

"I don't know what sensitive information they could get other than I guess my name and address – and the weird books I read," he said. "I'm not overly concerned."

Toronto's mayor had a similar reaction when asked Tuesday about the attack. 

Mayor Olivia Chow said the city will look into the attack and that she hopes computer and printing services return quickly for those who rely on them. She added that she doubts whether any personal sensitive information could have been stolen.

"I don't think we collect important information. We don't ask people for money in libraries."