City of Hamilton says its phone and email systems have been hit by 'cybersecurity incident'

The City of Hamilton says its information technology (IT) systems have been hit by "a cybersecurity incident," which started on Sunday.

"We are experiencing a city-wide phone and email disruption, which includes the Bus Check Info Line," the city posted on X, formerly Twitter, more than 20 hours ago.

In a news release Monday morning the city said its dedicated IT technicians took immediate steps to investigate and mitigate the situation.

"At this time, experts are actively responding to the incident to determine the cause and potential impacts. Our priority is to safeguard the integrity of our systems and protect any sensitive or private information," the city's release said.

"While the investigation is ongoing, we want to assure the community that we are taking this matter seriously and are collaborating closely with cybersecurity experts and relevant authorities to address the issue as quickly and effectively as possible."

The city says it remains committed to protecting the privacy and security of the community while managing impacts to its service levels.

City's transit system also impacted

Meanwhile, the cybersecurity incident is also impacting the city's transit system.

Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) said the on-board bus stop annunciators are not operational. It said passengers should talk to their bus operator if they require assistance.

"The HSRNow app is also affected. Bus schedules are available on the city's website. HSR's email and phone lines are not operational at this time," HSR said on X.

"Buses are starting as scheduled today.  Bus Operators will be driving without the aid of the computerized schedules, so your understanding and patience is appreciated."

DARTS service is operating normally, HSR said.

The Hamilton Public Library (HPL) says its website and telephone services are also unavailable.

"We are working quickly to restore service," HPL said on X.

HPL's manager of communications, Shelley McKay, said the central library and all of its branches are open but the catalogue, computers, printers and scanners are not available.

People "can come in and read a book at the library," McKay told CBC Hamilton. "It would be great for [people] to come into branch, see our staff and find something new to read in the library."

In recent months, several public institutions in Ontario have been hit by cyber attacks. These include the Toronto Public Library, Laurentian University in Sudbury and all five southwestern Ontario hospitals.

Are you impacted by the cyber incident in Hamilton? Tell us how: hamilton@cbc.ca