Patrons at the main branch library in Spartanburg can check out and return multiple books again just as before last week’s discovery of a ransomware attack that shut down the library system’s computer network, the director said Monday.
Library Director Todd Stephens said technicians have worked hard to restore most data and that most functions were returning to normal on Monday.
"Our website is up, and by this afternoon we anticipate wireless connectivity up," Stephens said. “We’re functioning.”
Last Monday, the ransomware attack sent out via email by cyber-criminals shut down the library system’s computer network and website.
The attackers demanded payment of 3.6 to 3.8 bitcoins, which Stephens said was estimated to be $36,000 or more, to free up the system’s data.
Stephens said he had no intention of meeting the demand.
The main library and 10 branches have remained open, but services linked to the computer servers and the online catalog were inaccessible throughout the week.
Staff checked out books by hand as technicians worked to restore all data lost.
Stephens said most of the data has been restored, and individual computers, copiers and printers should all be brought back online by Tuesday at the main library, followed by restoring all services to the branch locations.
The self-checkout kiosks at the main library remained down Monday, and should be back up by mid-week, Stephens said.
He said the technicians are working with McAfee security officials to plug holes in the library's anti-virus protection program.
Patrons whose books were due during the past week will not face fines, he added.
One patron, Patrick Autry, said he’s glad he can take out several books at a time again.
“I’ve got kids who check out books all the time,” he said, saying his children are 3, 8 and 10 years old. “One of my daughters was not happy because of the hackers.”
Stephens said some patrons expressed disappointment and were “understandably a little frustrated."
“Then some were totally understanding and willing to adjust their library use while we adjust,” he said.
He said the attack was similar to one that shut down St. Louis libraries in January 2017, with the hackers demanding a ransom.
No ransom was paid, and all services were restored within several days.
That library system reported the attack to the FBI. Stephens said the library trustees and county officials have been contacted, but he had no plans to report it to the FBI.
He said several lessons have been learned.
“Patience is important, whether it’s a natural disaster or a cyber disaster,” Stephens said. “It just reminds you how fragile our collective digital world is. As human beings, we need to be communicating with each other.”