Threat Management, Data Security, Privacy

NY library system hit by ransomware attack

Patch reports that officials at the Westchester County Library System in New York reported that while the library system's network was impacted by a ransomware attack, threat actors were not able to compromise any personal data from its patrons. Security measures set in the library curbed the attack's impact, according to officials. "No patron data was compromised as a result of this attack. Due to the nature of the public computers, they were easier to exploit. Although WLS has removed the most visible elements of the Ransomware and the machines may appear to be usable, we feel it is pertinent to do a full computer restore due to the sophisticated nature of this attack," said library officials. While the library noted that all public machines are being evaluated by IT specialists to ensure their security, the Larchmont Public Library was only notified about the incident recently. Officials at Larchmont said that WLS only informed them regarding the need to wipe public internet terminals' hard drives on Thursday. "Considering that there are 500 terminals in 38 different libraries the process will take 1 1/2 to 2 weeks," Larchmont officials said.

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