The City of Toronto is moving ahead with plans to prevent possible cyberattacks to protect our information.
The files of millions of Toronto residents, including our names, addresses and pertinent information, are stored in City databases.
And already reeling from cyberattacks targeting the Toronto Public Library and Toronto Zoo, the City of Toronto is now taking action to improve its high-tech systems to protect confidential documents against cyber thieves.
The Toronto Public Library system is just returning to normal from a last October data breach, which was also conducted against the zoo, in which thieves stole files, and information relating to employees and customers.
The Toronto Police Cyber Centre is on the job.
A motion last month by Councillor Paul Ainslie, of Ward 24, called on a City General Government Committee, to tighten up its security.
The Committee called on the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer, to report back by March 26, ‘regarding options and opportunities to enhance City technology and protect confidential documents.’
“As a part of our ongoing commitment to the advancement and security of the City’s technological infrastructure, a report outlining options and opportunities to enhance city technology and protect confidential documents would be beneficial,” the Committee stated.
The Toronto Zoo was hit by cyber thieves who stole data on employees and customers.
City officials want to know about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to technology and document security.
They were seeking recommendations for technology upgrades or advancements that can improve overall efficiency and effectiveness.
Also sought were “strategies for enhancing document security measures, including encryption, access controls and data integrity.”
The Committee is also seeking the ‘identification and assessment of potential risks related to technology and document security and strategies and protocols for mitigating these risks and responding to potential security breaches.’
The TTC and our hospitals were also subjected to ransom ware and data breaches.
The law makers want “an overview of relevant laws and regulations governing technology and document security and to ensure proposed enhancements align with legal requirements and compliance standards.”
The City said they have ongoing efforts to stay at the forefront of technological advancements while prioritizing the security of confidential information is paramount, specifically the current environment.
Hackers have been busy and even attacked hospitals and our health care system to steal information.