Toronto

Toronto transit system hit by ransomware attack, TTC says no significant disruptions

The Toronto Transit Commission said it was a victim of a ransomware attack on Friday, but adds the incident caused no service disruptions.

TTC says hackers attacked its network servers

TTC Spokesperson Stuart Green says the transit system remains safe after network servers were hacked on Friday. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)

The Toronto Transit Commission has been hit with a ransomware attack, it said in a statement on Friday. The TTC says the attack by hackers on its computer systems began Thursday night and expanded on Friday.

Stuart Green, a TTC spokesman, says the attack has not caused any significant disruption to transit service and the public and employees are not at risk.

Ransomware is a form of malicious software that attacks where a company's data is encrypted, locking the user out.

Green says transit vehicles continue to service their routes but apps and computer displays of route information are being affected.

He says there is no estimated time for when services that have been affected will be restored.

"The full extent of the attack is being looked into and the TTC is working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts on the matter," he said in a release.

"The City of Toronto's IT services department has also been consulted."

The TTC provides public transit service for up to 1.7 million people per weekday in Toronto and surrounding municipalities.