Town of St. Marys investigating cyber security incident

The Town of St. Marys is investigating a cyber security incident that locked its internal server and encrypted its data.

The incident occurred on July 20, 2022. Upon learning of the incident, staff took immediate steps to secure any sensitive information, including locking down the Town’s IT systems and restricting access to email. The Town also notified its legal counsel, the Stratford Police Service and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.

The Town is now working with cyber incident response experts to investigate the source of the incident, restore its back up data and assess the impacts on its information, if any. These experts are also assisting staff as they work to fully unlock and decrypt the Town’s systems, a process that could take days.

“We have a skilled and knowledgeable team of Town staff, cyber security experts and legal counsel working around the clock to resolve any issues related to this incident,” says Mayor Al Strathdee. “I have full confidence in our team and want to assure the public that protecting their privacy is our top priority."

Critical municipal services, like fire, police, transit, and water/wastewater systems were unaffected by the incident and are operating as usual. Municipal staff are performing their regular duties and are available by phone, email or in person at Town facilities.

The Town will be providing regular updates on this situation as it develops. Members of the public are encouraged to watch the Town’s website (www.townofstmarys.com), Facebook page (@stmarysontario) and Twitter account (@townofstmarys) for the most current information. Details are also being shared with local and regional newspapers and radio stations for those without access to the internet.

Questions about the incident can be directed to communications@town.stmarys.on.ca or 519-284-2340, ext. 241.

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For media inquiries:
Brett O’Reilly | Corporate Communications Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca