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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →London Drugs closed its stores across Western Canada on April 28, 2024, after discovering a cybersecurity incident. The company later described it as ransomware. Its investigation found evidence that some corporate files may have been compromised, and it confirmed that some files taken from its systems were released. London Drugs said it had no indication that customer or patient databases were compromised; the specific employee information in the files remained unclear in the reports at the time.
Why did London Drugs close its stores?
London Drugs said it discovered the incident on April 28, 2024, and closed its stores as a precaution while it worked to contain the problem and restore operations safely. The company brought in outside cybersecurity experts to investigate. Contemporaneous coverage reported that 79 stores—or nearly 80, depending on the report—were affected across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. They remained closed for more than a week. Global News reported the initial closure; its April 30 coverage described the ongoing response.
Later reporting described the incident as ransomware. LockBit claimed responsibility in May, according to contemporaneous reporting and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. That is an attributed claim, not independent confirmation of who carried out the attack. The Cyber Centre’s 2025–2026 assessment gives a February 2024 date, which conflicts with contemporaneous reports that London Drugs discovered the incident on April 28. The April date is the one reported at the time for the incident that prompted the closures.
How pharmacy customers were supported during the shutdown
Pharmacy staff remained available for urgent needs while stores were closed. London Drugs initially told pharmacy customers to call local stores; when phone systems were down, it advised them to visit in person. On May 2, the company said phone lines had been restored and pharmacists were helping with emergency prescription needs. CityNews Calgary reported the phone-line update and pharmacy guidance.
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Was customer data affected?
The company’s assessment changed as its investigation progressed, so its statements need to be read in sequence.
April 28: no indication of impact at that point
In its initial statement, London Drugs said: “At this time, we have no reason to believe that customer or employee data has been impacted.” That was an early assessment, not a final conclusion. Global News carried the statement.
May 18–21: possible exposure of corporate files
By May 18, London Drugs said its forensic investigation had found evidence that certain corporate files may have been compromised. Some could contain employee personal information, but the company said it was reviewing the files individually and could not yet specify what information might be involved. It said its primary employee-specific databases did not appear compromised. CityNews Vancouver reported those findings.
On May 21, London Drugs said it was aware cybercriminals had identified it as a victim of exfiltration—unauthorized copying of data—from its corporate head office. The company said it had no indication that customer or patient databases, or primary employee-specific databases, were compromised. It also said it was unwilling and unable to pay the ransom. Contemporary reporting attributed a $25 million demand to LockBit, but London Drugs did not confirm that amount. CityNews Vancouver reported the company’s statement and the attributed demand.
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May 23: some exfiltrated files were released
London Drugs confirmed that some exfiltrated files had been released. The company said: “We acknowledge that some of these files may contain some employee information — this is deeply distressing and London Drugs is taking all available steps to mitigate any impacts from these criminal acts.” Global News reported the confirmation.
These disclosures establish possible exposure of some corporate files and release of some files; they do not establish that customer or patient databases were stolen. The reports cited here did not specify the full file inventory or the exact scope of any employee personal information exposure.
What support was offered to employees?
London Drugs said it proactively notified current employees and offered 24 months of complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection, regardless of whether their information was ultimately found to have been compromised. This was an employee offer, not a general customer benefit. Global News reported the offer and reopening.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are London Drugs stores open now?
Stores were reopening by May 18, 2024, and later coverage reported that they had reopened after being closed for more than a week. Those reports establish the historical reopening, not today’s hours at a particular location. Check the specific store’s current listing before travelling.
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