CALS official speaks on recent hack plaguing library network, impacting internet & phones
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Central Arkansas Library System has recently experienced unexpected network activity that has disrupted their internet and phones.
CALS officials said this cyber hic-up has been an issue going on since Feb. 6.
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Nate Coulter, the executive director of CALS, said there is a high chance that this problem will at least last until next week.
“We understand it’s disruptive to our spaces because people coming to the library needing to get connection to the internet just hadn’t been able to do it,” Coulter said.
He said although this hack has disrupted day-to-day operations, CALS is optimistic about public information being lost.
If you go to CALS.org, you’ll be met with a disclaimer that explains that CALS recently experienced unexpected network activity that disrupted their internet and phones. Once the activity was noticed, they said they took their connected systems offline to confirm the security of their systems and investigate the issue.
“The main problem is getting slowly back online because we’re trying to secure all of the endpoints where this hack would have taken place,” Coulter said.
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After figuring out the problem, Coulter said the next step will be making sure there wasn’t any theft or copying of any public identification.
“We don’t keep any information that you would normally associate with banks or health care providers,” he explained. “We don’t have your social security number.”
He added that the only information that is kept is addresses and book checkout history.
As for that information and library info, Coulter said CALS “can’t say for certainty” they have no data lost.
While this is being investigated, the public is still able to check out books. But with no internet, Coulter said when books are checked back into the library, CALS can’t go in and update to reflect on the catalog that that book is back.
Coulter said that besides an updated catalog, everything works fine if you use the library on your devices.
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If you have overdue fines, CALS said they will adjust them as needed when service has been restored. They said that those in need of assistance can contact them at askcals@cals.org or visit the closest CALS branch.
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