KFL&A Public Health servers down due to cyber attack
KFL&A Public Health is experiencing an information technology (IT) outage due to a cyber security incident discovered on the morning of Friday, June 25, 2021. As a result, the agency’s servers became inaccessible and some virtual care appointments may be affected.
“We have activated the agency’s Incident Management System to limit business operation disruptions and to prioritize reinstating IT services to essential public health programs and services,” said Linda Murray, Chief Executive Officer at KFL&A Public Health (KFLAPH). “It should be noted that all operations related to our COVID-19 response were not affected and have continued to fully operate and provide all services, including vaccine clinics, contact and case management, call centre and booking vaccine appointments, and environmental health and infection prevention.”
KFLAPH is continuing to offer its regular services, however, the agency is operating with pen and paper at this time, and cannot communicate with clients using the internet/network.
Due to the IT outage KFL&A Public Health may have to reschedule virtual care appointments in some of the non-COVID-19 program areas, according to a release from KFLAPH. The agency is in the process of reaching out to clients and families who may be affected to reschedule appointments.
As well, the agency’s branch offices in Cloyne and Sharbot Lake will be closed from Monday, Jun. 28 to Monday Jul. 12, 2021, while they work to get programs back online. Please take water samples to the Napanee or Kingston office (Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
At this time, the incident is under investigation by a private cyber security company and the OPP. As such, Public Health does not know and will not disclose the nature of the cyber attack until the investigation is complete. At this time, it is unknown how much of the system has been accessed and/or compromised. The system is expected to remain down for up to two weeks as the investigation continues.
“We are continuing to investigate this incident and liaise with pertinent third parties to fully restore agency operations,” Public Health said in the release. “Given the critical timing of this investigation, we have been unable to reach out directly to all our partners. As more information becomes available, we will share with our community and partners. Our offices in Kingston and Napanee remain open as well as our COVID-19 vaccine clinics, and staff are available to assist you. “
COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and case tracking and contact tracing remain ongoing and uninterrupted. Public Health apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks the public for their patience and understanding.
For more information on KFL&A Public Health programs and services, including COVID-19 and vaccination clinics, visit www.kflaph.ca.