KFL&A Public Health Target of Cyber Security Incident
On the morning of Friday, June 25, KFL&A Public Health discovered it was the target of a cyber security incident affecting the agency’s servers, rendering them inaccessible and resulting in an information technology (IT) outage. The agency’s IT department took direct steps to prevent additional exposure.
“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. “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.”
However, 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. We are in the process of reaching out to clients and families who may be affected to reschedule appointments. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.
As well, the agency’s branch offices in Cloyne and Sharbot Lake will be closed for the next two weeks beginning Monday, June 28 to Monday July 12, 2021, while we 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.).
We are continuing to investigate this incident and liaise with pertinent third parties to fully restore agency operations. 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.
For more information on KFL&A Public Health programs and services, including COVID-19 and vaccination clinics, visit www.kflaph.ca