British Library Suffers Major Technology Outage After Cyber Attack: Updates and Impact. A cyber attack has caused a significant technology outage at the British Library, one of the world’s largest libraries and a treasure trove of knowledge. This incident has disrupted not only the company’s online services but also its locations in London and Yorkshire. In this article, we will explore the details of this cyber attack, its impact, and the response from the British Library and cybersecurity authorities.
Key Points:
- The British Library is currently experiencing a major technology outage due to a cyber attack that occurred on October 28, 2023.
- The cyber attack has disrupted access to the library’s website, digital collections, and catalog, affecting new collection item orders via digital catalogs and reader registration.
- The library has initiated an investigation into the incident with the support of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and cybersecurity specialists.
- Collection items ordered on or before October 26 are still accessible, and a very limited manual collection item ordering service is available.
- While online services are affected, the British Library’s physical locations remain open to the public, including reading rooms for personal study.
- The library’s exhibition, “Fantasy: Realms of Imagination,” is still open, with tickets available for purchase with cash.
- The cause of the cyber attack remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether personal or financial information was compromised.
- The British Library is actively providing updates on the situation through its social media channels, including Twitter.
Cyber Attack Strikes British Library
The British Library’s website, digital collections, and catalog were rendered temporarily inaccessible on October 28, 2023, due to a cyberattack. Additionally, the attack affected new collection item orders placed through digital catalogs and reading room PCs. The library has since initiated an investigation into the incident, enlisting the help of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and cybersecurity experts.
Effect upon Services
This cyber attack has had far-reaching repercussions. Access to the website, including the catalog and digital collections, continues to be denied. In addition, readers are unable to register, and collection items ordered on or after October 27 are unavailable. Initially, public wifi was unavailable during the attack, but it has since been restored.
We’re experiencing a major technology outage as a result of a cyber incident. This is affecting our website, online systems and services, and some onsite services including public Wi-Fi. We’re currently investigating the incident with @NCSC and other specialists.
— British Library (@britishlibrary) October 31, 2023
The Library’s… pic.twitter.com/0GbsCnULXX
Restricted Physical Collection Access
Despite the technology failure, the British Library has made accommodations for its customers. Items ordered for collection on or before October 26 can still be retrieved. In addition, a very limited manual collection item ordering service is available for items stored on-site via the printed catalogs of the library.
Continues to Be Open
The British Library’s physical locations remain accessible to the public despite the challenges posed by this cyber incident. Visitors have access to reading rooms for independent research but have restricted access to collection items and no access to digital collections or the digital catalog. The library’s exhibition, “Fantasy: Realms of Imagination,” is still open to the public, and tickets can be purchased with cash only.
Response and Investigation in Progress
The British Library has asked for the understanding and support of its users, staff, and partners as it works to resolve the technology outage. They continue to provide updates regarding the situation via their social media channels, such as Twitter.
The cause of the cyberattack is still unknown, and the method by which malicious actors breached the library’s systems has not been revealed. The library has not confirmed whether the personal or financial information of patrons or staff members was accessed or stolen during the cyberattack.
The British Library, a vast repository of knowledge, is currently dealing with a significant technology outage brought on by a cyber attack. While online services are disrupted, physical library locations remain accessible, and efforts are being made to resolve the issue. As the investigation continues, the library’s patrons and the general public are encouraged to follow the institution’s social media channels for updates.
