British Library avoids investigation over ransomware attack, praised again for response
The U.K. Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has decided not to investigate the British Library following a cyberattack in October 2023. This comes alongside a significant decline in ICO investigations into ransomware incidents, dropping from nearly 100% in past years to under 4% currently. The ICO noted that their current priorities did not warrant further investigation into this case.
The British Library has received commendations for its handling of the attack, particularly for refusing to pay an extortion fee. The National Cyber Security Centre praised the Library’s transparency, notably through the publication of an 18-page incident review detailing their recovery process and lessons learnt. This level of openness stands in stark contrast to how many organisations typically respond to such attacks.
The ICO, instead of penalising the Library for any security failings, acknowledged its efforts in being forthright about vulnerabilities and improvements made since the incident. This decision underscores a shift in focus towards rewarding responsible behaviour in the face of cyber threats.
Key Points
- The ICO will not pursue an investigation of the British Library after a ransomware attack.
- Ransomware investigations by the ICO have dropped significantly, from 100% in past years to under 4% in 2024.
- The British Library was praised for not paying the ransom and for its transparency in documenting the incident.
- The Library published an 18-page incident review that offered valuable insights for other organisations facing similar threats.
- ICO encouraged proactive security measures, including multi-factor authentication and regular system updates.
Why should I read this?
If you’re concerned about cybersecurity, this tale of the British Library’s ransomware incident is quite a lesson! It highlights how being upfront about security issues can actually get you a pat on the back instead of a fine. Also, with ransomware becoming a hot topic, it’s good to know what’s happening in the UK regarding data protection and how organisations are responding. We’ve cut through the fluff—this is the info you need to be in the know!