The Toronto Zoo, Canada’s largest zoo, encountered a ransomware attack on January 5th, impacting various systems and potentially exposing information about visitors, members, and donors. The zoo quickly assured the public that no credit card information is stored in their systems.
In response to the incident, the zoo’s staff promptly initiated investigations to determine the full scope of the breach and assess the potential impact on records related to guests, members, and donors. While this cybersecurity incident has led to increased response times for those attempting to contact the zoo, measures are being taken to mitigate the situation.
Despite the cyberattack, the Toronto Zoo emphasizes that critical systems responsible for animal well-being, care, and support remain unaffected. This ensures that the zoo can continue its normal operations, including welcoming guests. The zoo’s website remains operational, allowing visitors to purchase tickets online.
To address the ransomware incident and enhance cybersecurity, the Toronto Zoo is collaborating with the City of Toronto’s Chief Information Security Office and third-party cybersecurity experts. The incident has also been reported to the Toronto Police Services. As the zoo works to resolve the situation, they express gratitude for the public’s patience and understanding during this challenging time.
