The Seattle Public Library (SPL) has been working to restore its online services after falling victim to a ransomware attack over the Memorial Day weekend. The cybersecurity incident, identified on May 25, disrupted access to the library’s digital resources, including its online catalog, e-books, e-audiobooks, and website.
Impact on Library Operations
According to the library’s announcement, the ransomware event impacted staff and public computers, the online lending system, in-building Wi-Fi, and the official website (www.spl.org). While physical locations remain open for visitors to check out materials, the library cannot currently check materials back into the catalog, leading to a backlog of returned and newly delivered items.
Restoration Efforts and Partnerships
In response to the attack, the Seattle Public Library has been working with third-party forensic specialists and law enforcement to investigate the incident and securely restore functionality to its systems. As of Wednesday, the library’s website has been restored, and access to some digital services, including Hoopla, is also available. However, the organization continues to work on restoring additional services, such as e-books, e-audiobooks, computers, Wi-Fi, and printing.
Updates
The Seattle Public Library has not shared details on whether any data was stolen during the ransomware attack but has committed to providing timely updates on the incident’s progress. While apologizing for the impacted wait times and service disruptions, the library maintains a neutral and transparent approach, informing the community about the ongoing recovery efforts.
Challenges for Public Institutions
The ransomware attack on the Seattle Public Library highlights the growing cybersecurity challenges public institutions face. As digital services become increasingly integral to library operations, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and incident response plans is crucial to protect sensitive data and maintain uninterrupted access to valuable resources for the community.
