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Lakeland Public Health Declares State of Emergency After Cyberattack

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. clares-state-of-emergency-after-cyberattack.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 1:40 GMT by Global News
      Locales: Alberta, CANADA

Alberta - Lakeland Public Health (LPH) declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, following a significant cyberattack that has crippled critical public health infrastructure across the Bonnyville, Cold Lake, Elk Point, and surrounding areas. The incident highlights a growing trend of attacks targeting healthcare organizations, raising concerns about patient safety, data security, and the vulnerability of vital public services.

Dr. Anne-Marie Paquet, Medical Officer of Health for Lakeland Public Health, confirmed the disruption, stating the declaration allows LPH to mobilize additional resources and expertise to address the situation. "Our priority remains the health and well-being of the communities we serve," Dr. Paquet stated in a press conference held earlier today. "While systems are currently down, we are working tirelessly with the RCMP and leading cybersecurity firms to restore functionality and secure our data."

The attack is strongly suspected to be ransomware, a malicious software that encrypts data and demands a ransom payment for its release. While the specific strain of ransomware and the demands made by the attackers remain undisclosed, cybersecurity experts indicate that healthcare organizations are particularly attractive targets for these types of attacks due to the sensitive nature of the data they hold and the time-critical need for access to that data. Experts theorize that the attackers are likely motivated by financial gain, however, the possibility of state-sponsored actors or politically motivated hackers cannot be ruled out.

The impact on public health services is substantial. Reports indicate that electronic health records are inaccessible, leading to delays in patient care, challenges in administering vaccinations, and potential disruptions to ongoing public health programs. Emergency services are still operational, but rely on manual processes, significantly slowing down response times and potentially impacting the quality of care. The inability to access patient histories and allergy information poses a serious risk to individuals requiring urgent medical attention.

The incident at Lakeland Public Health is not isolated. Across Canada, healthcare institutions have faced a surge in cyberattacks in recent years. In 2025, several major hospital networks in Ontario and British Columbia experienced similar disruptions, leading to appointment cancellations, surgical postponements, and significant financial losses. These attacks have prompted calls for increased investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and a national strategy to protect critical healthcare systems. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has issued several alerts warning of sophisticated ransomware campaigns targeting the healthcare sector, advising organizations to implement robust security measures, including multi-factor authentication, regular data backups, and employee training.

Beyond the immediate disruption to healthcare services, the breach raises serious data privacy concerns. LPH handles sensitive patient information, including medical histories, personal details, and financial data. A successful data breach could expose this information to unauthorized access, leading to identity theft, fraud, and reputational damage. The organization is working with privacy commissioners to assess the extent of the data compromise and notify affected individuals as required by law.

The RCMP's investigation is focused on identifying the perpetrators and determining the source of the attack. Cybersecurity experts are analyzing the malware used in the attack to understand its capabilities and develop countermeasures. Recovery efforts are underway, but the restoration of full functionality is expected to take several days, possibly weeks. LPH is urging the public to be patient and understanding during this challenging time. Alternative communication channels have been established to provide updates and address public concerns. A dedicated helpline has been set up to answer questions and provide guidance.

The long-term ramifications of this attack extend beyond Lakeland Public Health. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats and the urgent need for proactive cybersecurity measures. Experts predict that cyberattacks on healthcare organizations will continue to increase in frequency and sophistication, necessitating a collaborative effort between government, healthcare providers, and cybersecurity firms to protect patient safety and maintain the integrity of public health systems. Furthermore, a national review of cybersecurity standards within healthcare is likely to be triggered by this event, potentially leading to stricter regulations and increased oversight.