The computer server at the Moniteau County Library, 501 S. Oak Street, California, was hacked at 11:03 p.m. Jan. 12 when the server was taken over and the system and files were corrupted.
Officials said the hackers' computer virus took the entire system down, installing Ransomeware, then demanding payment of Bitcoin funds of $1,000 and $1,500 dollars be sent to an email address in India. It was hacked a few weeks before, but little was discovered. It is suspected the incident was used to install a "back door" into the computer in order that major damage could be done later.
The tech support people took the server to their shop to attempt to recover and restore the automation database. Unfortunately, without the server, the library was left with no internet or WiFi for the public or staff to use.
"I have to say that once our staff moved past the shock of what had happened, we've been resilient about creating a plan to get records restored and still provide service to the public," Librarian Connie Walker said. "It's been really inconvenient, but the public has been very understanding."
The WiFi has been restored, and the server is expected to be back in the library in the near future with a new back-up system that the library board recently approved. It will take a lot of effort on the part of the library staff to enter records that could not be recovered due to corrupted files, including portable backup drives.
During the down time, the staff got the book sale up and going. "It's a great selection and more will be added as books fly off the shelves," Walker said.
Walker commented that many patrons have asked, "What kind of person would do this to a library?" She responded by saying it would appear it was someone with no empathy for others. She then discussed an adult student who came in needing a computer and printer to finish a term paper. It was due the next day. Another adult needed to fill out a job application online, and a college student needed a mid-term test Proctored. The library staff couldn't help with the request.
"I'm sure they don't care about all the effort it's going to take library staff to enter records that could not be recovered due to corrupted files, including portable backup drives," Walker commented.