The London Public Library in Ontario, Canada, faced a cyberattack, resulting in the shutdown of most services. The library, which serves approximately 422,000 residents, closed several branches indefinitely, impacting various services such as phones, email, WiFi, website, catalogs, printers, computers, and digital resources. While in-person borrowing and some library programs continue, the cyberattack has disrupted essential services, including internet access for some low-income residents who rely on the library’s WiFi.
The library confirmed a “major” systems outage caused by the cyberattack, with investigations underway to determine the extent of the breach. The Carson, Glanworth, and Lambeth branches will remain closed until January 2, affecting a total of 16 branches. Experts have been engaged to address the issue, but the restoration process may take some time. The attack on the London Public Library comes in the wake of other major libraries, such as the Toronto Public Library and the British Library, experiencing ransomware incidents, highlighting the vulnerability of these institutions to cyber threats.
Libraries, despite not being perceived as lucrative targets, often carry cyber insurance that covers ransom payments, making them attractive to cybercriminals. The frequency of attacks on libraries globally has prompted discussions about enhancing cybersecurity measures and proposing programs to collect data on cybersecurity practices to better defend against hackers. The impact of the cyberattack on the London Public Library underscores the critical role these institutions play in providing essential services to communities and the importance of strengthening their cybersecurity defenses to safeguard against future incidents.
