Lakelands Public Health has confirmed that it is actively responding to a cyberattack discovered on January 29, 2026, which affected some of its internal systems. The organization is sharing information about the Lakelands Public Health cyberattack incident proactively to maintain transparency and public trust.
Immediately after detecting the breach, Lakelands Public Health implemented its incident response protocols, secured affected systems, and engaged a leading cybersecurity firm to support the investigation, containment, and recovery efforts. Experts are working closely with the organization to ensure that all systems are restored safely and efficiently.
While restoration efforts are underway, some programs and services may experience temporary disruptions. The organization has committed to directly contacting any individuals or partners affected by interruptions.
Critical Public Health Data Remains Secure
Initial investigations indicate that systems managing sensitive public health information, including infectious disease data, immunization records, and sexual health information, were not impacted by the Lakelands Public Health cyberattack. Lakelands Public Health has emphasized that protecting personal information remains a top priority as it continues essential public health operations.
Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer of Lakelands Public Health, said,
“Our priority response to this event is protecting the information entrusted to us and maintaining continuity of critical public health services. By taking a proactive approach and engaging specialized expertise, we are working diligently to restore systems and keep our community informed.”
The organization serves Peterborough city and county, Northumberland and Haliburton counties, Kawartha Lakes, and the First Nations communities of Curve Lake and Alderville. The cyberattack prompted a review of all systems that could potentially be affected, ensuring that any vulnerabilities are mitigated.
Lakelands Public Health Cyberattack Investigation
Lakelands Public Health has noted that the investigation into the cyberattack is ongoing. While no personal or health information appears to have been compromised, the organization has committed to alerting affected parties should any issues arise as the review continues.
Officials have advised that during the restoration period, certain programs and services may remain temporarily offline, and affected individuals will receive direct notifications.
The health unit is also closely monitoring its IT infrastructure for unusual activity, and administrators are implementing additional safeguards, including enhanced network monitoring and access controls. These measures are aimed at minimizing risk and ensuring the integrity of public health data during the recovery process.
Proactive Measures Strengthen Cybersecurity for Lakelands Public Health
Residents, partners, and staff are encouraged to remain patient and vigilant as Lakelands Public Health continues to prioritize security, transparency, and the continuity of services. Updates regarding the cyberattack and ongoing recovery efforts are available at LakelandsPH.ca.
In response to the incident, Lakelands Public Health has reinforced its commitment to cybersecurity. By engaging specialized expertise and deploying additional monitoring and response tools, the organization aims to reduce the risk of future incidents.
Dr. Piggott reinforced the importance of public confidence, stating that the organization will continue to communicate openly and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect sensitive information while maintaining public health services without interruption.
