TPL's Lessons Learned from a Cyber Attack

Meetup #556 with Steve Till-Rogers === Recorded: 18 Aug 2026 Topic: Lessons Learned from a Cyber Attack: Toronto Public Library’s Experience On October 28, 2023, Toronto Public Library shut down every network and computer system wide after discovering a cyberattack, meanwhile all 100 branches remained open anyway. This session walks through the incident response governance, the phased restoration of a 5,000+ computer environment, and the lessons TPL is willing to share so other public sector organizations don't learn them the hard way. Timestamps: 0:00 Talk begins 19:40 Q&A === Speakers: Steve Till-Rogers is the Director of Digital Strategy and Chief Information Officer with the Toronto Public Library. TPL is Canada’s largest public library with 100 branches located throughout Toronto. Steve leads delivery of TPL’s Digital Strategy executing IT service modernization, innovation and enhancing digital access. Prior to joining Toronto Public Library, Steve was the Director of Technology Services with Edmonton Public Library. During his time at EPL, Steve deployed new technologies and digital experiences within the library including The Wall, at the Stanley A. Milner Library. Previously named as a Digital Game Changer by HP Enterprise, Steve is recognized for his expertise in digital infrastructure, integrated systems, and leveraging technology to enhance library services and patron experiences. === About Us: Our weekly civic tech meetups bring together Torontonians (designers, coders, urban planners, government staff, mappers, policy-makers, students, communications strategists, community organizers, and more) who share an interest in making Toronto more responsive, prosperous, sustainable, and equitable through design, tech, and data. Come and be part of it! For more info: https://civictech.ca/