*Simulated content - not real - for exercise and training purposes only*
NEWS & SOCIAL MEDIA
This section brings together the latest news, social media updates, and weather. Click each item for more details.
Major internet outage hits Canadian companies as cyber attacks expand beyond transit sector
BREAKING
BREAKING: Service Outages Hit Major Canadian Companies as Cyber Attacks Expand Beyond Transit Sector
Major companies and service providers report outages as officials investigate whether the disruptions are linked to a coordinated global cyber campaign.
NATIONAL
Federal and Provincial Governments Continue Response as Service Outages Escalate
Federal, provincial and municipal governments continue response efforts as the widespread internet outage escalates beyond the transit sector.
LOCAL
Toronto Settles Into an Unusual Routine as Internet Outage Continues
As much of the GTA enters the day without internet, Toronto has settled into an unfamiliar rhythm.
Canadian and U.S markets closed lower on Friday following the widespread internet outage.
FINANCIAL
Investors Prepare for Uncertain Week Ahead
Thousands Leave the GTA as Residents Seek Relief from Prolonged Internet Outage
SPECIALTY
As the widespread internet outage continues, thousands of GTA residents are temporarily leaving the city in search of reliable service access.
Weather Forecast
Monday
22° 17°
Tuesday
24° 18°
Wednesday
21° 16°
City of Toronto
@CityToronto
City services continue operating under emergency procedures. Residents are encouraged to limit unnecessary travel. Community centers and libraries with power remain open,
💬 24 ◉ 1.2K
10:00 PM - DD/MM
Toronto Hydro
@TorontoHydro
We continue working with provincial partners to stabilize internet access. The cause of the outage remains under investigation. There is currently no estimated timeline for widespread restoration.
💬 20 ◉ 1.3K
9:40 PM - DD/MM
TTC
@TTC-Operations
TTC subway service is suspended across affected areas. Buses continue on a reduced schedule, subject to congestion, fuel availability and staffing. TTC also has shuttle buses running along subway routes to support criterial services, also operating on a reduced service level. All TTC fares are free at this time.
💬 19 ◉ 2K
9:30 PM - DD/MM
Metrolinx
@Metrolinx
GO Transit rail service is suspended across most affected areas. GO Bus service continues on a reduced schedule, subject to road conditions and fuel availability.
💬 24 ◉ 1.2K
9:27 PM - DD/MM
@Pearson
Pearson Airport
9:25 PM - DD/MM
Toronto Pearson continues operating under contingency procedures. Airlines continue to experience delays and cancellations. Passengers should check directly with their airline before departing for the airport.
💬 40 ◉ 1.2K
Emergency Management Ontario
@EMO
9:22 PM - DD/MM
Provincial coordination continues with municipalities, utilities and critical infrastructure partners. Residents are encouraged to limit unnecessary travel, check on vulnerable family members and neighbours, and monitor official sources for updates.
💬 4 ◉ 1K
Sarah M
@Sarah.M
Honestly... Toronto is suprisingly calm tonight. Everyone on our street is sitting outside chatting instead of watching TV. #InternetOutage
💬 4 ◉ 1K
9:15 PM - DD/MM
Muskoka Mom
@MuskokaMom
Definitely more people in town than a normal weekend. Grocery store was packed this morning.
💬 4 ◉ 1K
9:15 PM - DD/MM
Weather Forecast
Monday
22° 17°
Tuesday
24° 18°
Wednesday
21° 16°
City of Toronto
@CityToronto
City services continue operating under emergency procedures. Residents are encouraged to limit unnecessary travel and conserve fuel. Community centres and libraries with power remain open, offering device charging, washrooms and Wi-Fi where available.
💬 24 ◉ 1.2K
10:00 PM - Aug 23
Toronto Hydro
@TorontoHydro
We continue working with provincial partners to stabilize the electrical system. The cause of the outage remains under investigation. There is currently no estimated timeline for widespread restoration.
💬 20 ◉ 1.3K
9:40 PM - Aug 23
TTC
@TTC-Operations
TTC subway service is suspended across affected areas. Buses continue on a reduced schedule, subject to congestion, fuel availability and staffing. TTC also has shuttle buses running along subway routes to support criterial services, also operating on a reduced service level. All TTC fares are free at this time.
💬 19 ◉ 2K
9:30 PM - Aug 23
Metrolinx
@Metrolinx
GO Transit rail service is suspended across most affected areas. GO Bus service continues on a reduced schedule, subject to road conditions and fuel availability.
💬 24 ◉ 1.2K
9:27 PM - Aug 23
Pearson Airport
@Pearson
Toronto Pearson continues operating under emergency power and contingency procedures. Airlines continue to experience delays and cancellations. Passengers should check directly with their airline before departing for the airport.
💬 40 ◉ 1.2K
9:25 PM - Aug 23
Emergency Management Ontario
@EMO
Provincial coordination continues with municipalities, utilities and critical infrastructure partners. Residents are encouraged to conserve fuel, limit unnecessary travel, check on vulnerable family members and neighbours, and monitor official sources for updates.
💬 4 ◉ 1K
9:22 PM - Aug 23
Sarah M
@Sarah.M
Honestly... Toronto is suprisingly calm tonight. Everyone on our street is sitting outside chatting instead of watching TV. #PowerOutage
💬 4 ◉ 1K
9:15 PM - Aug 23
Muskoka Mom
@Muskoka.Mom
Definitely more people in town than a normal August weekend. Grocery store was packed this morning and every coffee shop seemed full.
💬 4 ◉ 1K
9:15 PM - Aug 23
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YOUR MESSAGES
Select a participant to view their emails, messages, calls and other internal communications.
The following optional content is available for those who would like additional context. It is not required reading before the exercise.
Optional Content Below
The following optional content is available for those who would like additional context. It is not required reading before the exercise.
Optional Content Below
Situation
Dashboard
DD/MM/YYYY at TIME
For the purpose of the exercise please assume it is:
EXERCISE INTRODUCTION
In preparation for the exercise, please watch the two short videos below and review other key details.
Exercise Briefing
What to expect and how to prepare
What's happening right now
Situation Recap
OUTAGE - IMPACTED AREAS
This interactive map shows the areas currently affected by internet outages. Click each location for more details.
KEY ASSUMPTIONS
This section outlines key scenario facts and assumptions.
Transportation
Status - Active
Canada–U.S. land border crossings remain open but experience significant delays. Commercial traffic and critical goods are prioritized.
Regional bus services continue on reduced schedules. Highways remain open but experience significant congestion and delays.
Status - Active
Status - Active
​Major airports remain operational but experience significant delays and flight cancellations.
Government Services
Status - Active
Emergency services remain operational across affected regions but are focused on priority incidents. Response times are significantly longer than normal.
Governments remain operational, with resources focused on emergency response and essential services.
Status - Active
Toronto Police increase patrols across the city and encourage residents to avoid unnecessary travel, report suspicious activity and use 911 only for emergencies.
Status - Active
Infrastructure
Status - Active
Toronto Hydro provides regular restoration updates, prioritizes critical infrastructure and advises residents to prepare for continued outages.
Status - Active
Cellular networks remain operational but experience congestion, intermittent outages and reduced coverage.
Supply chains remain operational but experience significant delays, with critical goods prioritized over non-essential deliveries.
Status - Active
Financial Services
Retail banking remains operational but degraded. Many branches are closed or operating with reduced service.
Status - Active
Status - Active
​Electronic payments generally remain available but experience intermittent disruptions and transaction failures.
Cash becomes increasingly difficult to obtain as many ATMs become unavailable or run out of cash.
Status - Active
Status - Active
Financial markets remain fully operational but experience elevated volatility as investors respond to ongoing uncertainty and infrastructure disruptions.
Personal Impact
Status - Active
The heat wave has ended, with daytime temperatures expected to remain in the low 20s°C and cooler overnight throughout the outage. No significant weather-related impacts are expected.
Status - Active
Many businesses operate with reduced staffing, while others temporarily close offices or shift employees to remote work where possible.
Status - Active
​Grocery stores remain operational where possible, but food and essential supplies become increasingly limited throughout the outage.
Many summer camps and childcare programs are cancelled or operating at reduced capacity, resulting in workforce availability challenges.
Status - Disabled
Status - Disabled
Waste collection services experience delays and localized service disruptions throughout the incident.
Status - Active
Municipal drinking water remains safe and available throughout the incident.
Water & Sanitation
Public Health
Status - Active
Hospitals remain operational but experience increased demand and reduced non-urgent services.
Hospitals remain operational, although some facilities experience localized service disruptions due to generator, fuel and other operational challenges.
Status - Active
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BOARD MESSAGES
Select a participant to view their emails, messages, calls and other internal communications.
KEY ASSUMPTIONS
This section outlines key scenario facts and assumptions.
Public Transport
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TTC subway service is suspended.
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TTC shuttle buses are operating along subway routes.
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TTC buses continue operating on a reduced contingency schedule.
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GO Train service is suspended across all areas.
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GO Bus service continues on a reduced contingency schedule.
Regional Transportation
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Regional transportation is significantly disrupted.
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Local streets are severely congested due to traffic light outages.
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Highways remain open but are experiencing major congestion.
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Regional rail services are largely suspended.
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Some municipalities are running buses on contingency schedules.
Air Travel
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Pearson Airport is partially operational on backup contingency.
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Other Airports are partially operational on backup contingency.
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Flight schedules are significantly disrupted.
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Delays and cancellations are common.
Transportation
Weather
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The extreme heat wave has ended.
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Temperatures remain temperate, with highs in the low 20s°C.
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No severe weather is forecasted for this week.
Workforce
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Business operations are significantly disrupted.
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Many offices are closed or operating with reduced staff.
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Remote work continues where possible.
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Many businesses are suspending non-critical serices.
Food
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Grocery stores remain open where power and staffing allow.
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Perishable food supplies are increasingly limited.
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Essential items face high demand and shortages.
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Purchase limits are in place at many stores.
Childcare
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Camps and childcare programs are mostly cancelled.
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Childcare challenges are increasing employee absenteeism.
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Media is reporting an uptick in foodborne illness among children.
Personal Impact
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Many branches are closed or operating reduced hours.
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Banking contact centers have long wait times.
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Online and mobile banking may be slow or intermittent.
Retail Banking
Financial Services
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Electronic payments still work but are sometimes slow.
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Card payments work where power and connectivity are available.
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Transaction failures are more frequent than normal.
Electronic Payments
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Cash access becomes increasingly limited.
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Many ATMs are offline or out of cash.
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Operational ATMs face long lines and withdrawal limits.
Cash & ATMs
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Global financial markets remain open but highly volatile.
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Market infrastructure is operational.
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Credit and liquidity markets remain functional.
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Canada’s financial system remains stable.
Financial Markets
Energy
Infrastructure
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Natural gas service remains operational.
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Facilities with natural gas generation remain operational.
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Critical infrastructure and public safety are prioritized.
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Cellular networks remain operational but congested.
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Calls, texts and mobile data may be slow or intermittent.
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Coverage may decline as backup power is exhausted.
Communications
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Supply chains and freight remain operational but disrupted.
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Many deliveries are significantly delayed due to various issues.
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Critical supplies are prioritized for distribution.
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Non-essential goods face delays and localized shortages.
Supply Chain
Water & Sanitation
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Waste and recycling collection continues in some areas.
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Staffing and transportation issues are causing significant delays.
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In some municipalities, waste collection is completely suspended.
Waste Collection
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Municipal drinking water remains operational.
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Water treatment/distributionis operating on backup power.
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Tap water remains safe to drink.
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No widespread service interruptions are expected.
Water
Public Health
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Hospitals remain operational on backup power.
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Emergency departments face higher volumes and longer waits.
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Elective and non-urgent services are reduced or postponed.
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The government is prioritizing fuel delivery to healthcare.
Hospitals
Healthcare
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Many other health providers have closed their doors.
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Some providers (e.g. primary care doctors) have backup power.
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The government says temporary service reductions are ongoing.