By Noah PowelsonA cybersecurity attack continued to plague Queens libraries on Monday, even as some services came back online over the weekend.The Queens Public Library said that checkout and return machines, as well as Wi-Fi services, have been restored across all 66 branches after hackers effectively shut down the system’s network last week. The library first announced the attack on Wednesday, stating that most services that involve a network connection were down due to a ransomware attack on the system.On Friday, QPL said it had restored some services. Library users can now check out a limited number of books using the machines in the building, and Wi-Fi was readily available. Renewing books is not currently possible, however, the library reiterated that there are no late fees for checked-out books. Public computer access has also been restored at Central Library, Flushing Library, Jackson Heights Library, Kew Gardens Hills Library, Hunters Point Library, Far Rockaway Library and Glen Oaks Library. But many services remain down, including the QPL’s public website, the mobile app, on-site computers, digital media services and some virtual and in-person programs hosted at the library, while the system’s IT department tries to find a solution to the ransomware attack. Ransomware is a type of malware that makes data completely inaccessible until a payment is made. Ransomware, like most computer viruses, is often spread through malicious files or email links.It’s not clear how ransomware got onto the QPL system. A spokesperson for QPL did not provide details on what’s currently known about the attackers behind the malware.The sudden attack upended library services across the World’s Borough’s 66 branches; guests experienced major difficulties accessing books, digital materials and printers in their local libraries.It’s currently unclear if library user information was also compromised in the attack.At the branch in Flushing, one of the busiest libraries in the city, business continued as normal for the most part. The media services center upstairs was noticeably empty, but the library was busy as a steady stream of guests made use of the open seating and free internet access.Paul Qiu, an assistant manager for the Flushing library, told the Eagle that most library patrons likely haven’t noticed much difference from their usual experience. Patrons can’t renew currently checked out books and they won’t be able to use their library account to use the printers. But the library still offers regular programming and a free Wi-Fi hotspot for the public.While the library system addresses the ransomware, Qiu said he and his staff have shifted to old fashioned physical paper and pens for many of their regular duties. “Most of the work impacted is on our internal system,” Qiu told the Eagle. “We’re trying to go back to paper as much as possible.”But some library guests on Monday said it was clear that staff were scrambling to get a new system organized at the last minute.Willie Fuchs, a teacher who regularly goes to the library to print materials for his class, told the Eagle he went to his local library branch to print something when the ransomware attack began, but found the printers were completely shut down. He went to the Flushing branch on Monday after hearing some issues had been resolved, but again left empty handed because the work around library staff found to get the printers working would’ve taken much longer than usual.“I didn’t do it because [the library staff] are swarmed,” Fuchs said. “They can get stuck with one or two people for like twenty minutes.”Dennis Walcott, president and CEO of QPL, said that officials were in direct communication with law enforcement about the attack.“We know how much our customers rely on the library’s technology to access information, use our resources, and stay connected,” Walcott said in a statement. “Our dedicated staff are working hard to continue serving the public and ensure that our libraries remain welcoming places for all… We continue to work closely with our government partners and outside experts to investigate the attack and restore our systems as quickly as possible.”Walcott also said there is currently no timeline for when full services will be restored.Queens Councilmember Nantasha Williams, chair of the City Council Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Relations, said she was deeply concerned about the incident and that cybersecurity for public institutions needs to be prioritized. “As technology continues to evolve, so must our ability to protect residents and the institutions that serve them,” Williams said. “The Council has been increasingly focused on the challenges posed by emerging technology, and cybersecurity must be part of that broader conversation. We need to ensure our public institutions have the resources and safeguards necessary to keep pace with these growing threats.”
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