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Queens Public Library says ransomware took down Wi-Fi and computers
The Record reported Thursday that Queens Public Library confirmed a ransomware attack that disrupted on-site computers, checkout machines, Wi-Fi, digital media and its mobile app.
Queens Public Library said a ransomware attack encrypted its systems and shut down many digital services, The Record reported Thursday1.
The library system, with 66 branches serving about 2.3 million residents in the New York City borough, posted alerts Wednesday confirming ransomware as the cause after warning of outages earlier that afternoon1.
On-site computers, checkout and return machines, Wi-Fi, digital media services and the mobile app were all down, the library said in a social media statement cited by The Record1.
“All QPL locations remain open as scheduled; however, certain virtual and in-person programs may be impacted,” the library said, adding that it was working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts1.
New York City officials did not respond to The Record’s requests for comment1.
The Record said Queens Public Library is among the largest U.S. systems, with more than 5 million books in 50 languages, learning centers in public housing and mobile libraries1.
No ransomware group had claimed the attack as of Thursday evening, the outlet reported1.
Whether borrower or staff data were accessed, and how long services will stay down, was not established in the report1.
