November 27, 2023 at 04:38AM
The British Library, known for its public knowledge and vast collection of items, recently fell victim to a cybersecurity breach. Ransomware bandits stole HR data and disrupted the institution’s infrastructure, causing inconvenience to researchers and delaying their work. The attack on the British Library is just one of many corporate breaches in October 2023, highlighting the vulnerability of poorly funded public service targets. This incident raises questions about the importance of security and the need to redefine its purpose.
Summary of Meeting Notes:
The meeting notes discuss the recent cybersecurity breach at the British Library, where Ransomware bandits hacked into the library’s system and stole HR data. The attack also caused significant damage to the library’s infrastructure, resulting in the disruption of services and research activities. The notes highlight the significance of the British Library as a symbol of public knowledge and the impact the breach has on researchers and staff. The notes also question the need for secrecy in a library that aims to make information accessible to the public. The discussion explores the concept of security and proposes rethinking how public service security can be improved. The meeting notes also mention the case of Sir Bernard Lovell, who defied the government to continue building a radio telescope, highlighting the importance of prioritizing investments in IT and security for public service institutions.