Queens Public Library hit by ransomware attack, knocking out its website and e-borrowing
Queens Public library under ransomware attack e-borrowing suspended
A ransomware attack has taken down the Queens Public Library's network across all locations, disabling its website, mobile app, public computers at most branches, and Digital Media Services. Wi-Fi, checkout and return machines, and computers at seven branches have been restored, and all locations remain open. Books can still be borrowed and returned, but renewals are unavailable; the library says full recovery will take time.
This disruption, the result of a ransomware attack, impacts the following services: Queens Public Library website, QPL Mobile App, Public Computers at most open locations, Digital Media Services.
- cush
This happened in seattle a few years ago. Computer systems were down for months. They just let everyone borrow using an honor system.
- waltbosz
https://spotlightdelaware.org/2024/09/23/delaware-libraries-...
This happened to my state's library system a while back. Public computers and free wifi were down for a few months, but no major disruptions of lending services. I don't think the state paid any ransom, instead they just repaired their systems.
- RobotToaster
That seems a pretty terrible target for ransomware, it's not like public libraries have huge amounts of money.
- JasonBorne
Despicable to target a place that supports learning and shares public knowledge.
- redwood
Today I learned that Queens has a public library system that predated the consolidated New York City library system and fiercely fought to maintain independence rather than come under the control of a Manhattan-based system
- brador
It’s a library.
Wipe the system and start again.
- rusbra
Is this due to the php vulnerability from a few weeks ago? Guessing they were on some php-based cms, and their staff never got around to fixing it in time.
- program_whiz
I see a lot of people bemoaning the loss of a public service, but honestly I'm not sure the public library is an important service. At one time, yes, it represented access to knowledge for everyone. For everyone talking about how important this is, I'm curious how many have visited a library in the last 5 years to actually get a book.
Today, it could probably disappear and no one would miss it. There's a reason these places operate on a shoestring budget and haven't bothered to update software security. The services we value, we pay for or vote for. If there was a proposition to close libraries in favor of some other minor benefit (e.g. one extra field trip for every school child per year), it would probably lose badly.
Probably most of the relevant functions of a library can be accomplished by other more efficient means. Student loan forgiveness (librarians), homeless shelters with computers, and free daycare for kids. That's basically what people use it for now, and all can be better done if we just admit what its for and do that instead.