The Butler County Federated Library System continues to work on restoring online services following a ransomware attack on its servers earlier this month.
All 10 local libraries of the federated system remain open but operating hours and services may be limited. Although some patron services are expected to be restored soon, officials say full service restoration is weeks away.
During the period before and immediately after the malware attack was discovered on July 17, some library patrons using library computers and WiFi may have been adversely affected. Anyone who used the library’s internet during that time (for such things such as shopping and banking) is advised to change passwords and install the latest virus protection on their devices.
Officials say local libraries do not store personal information of their patrons after the patron logs off of a public library computer.
Library directors are offering advice to patrons who regularly use public computers or WiFi in county libraries – or in any public location.
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Avoid conducting private business on public computers or WiFi. If you have no choice but to enter sensitive information into a public computer, consult with a library staff member about some added precautions to make your web activity as safe as possible.
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Invest in a virus/malware protection program for your personal devices and make certain to perform updates and scans.
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When a patron ‘logs off’ a public computer at the library, their internet activity is erased. Butler County libraries do not solicit or store sensitive information in their databases or on library computers.
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Review your library’s Computer and Internet Use Policies.
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Ask a library staff member for a free copy of a recent Consumer Reports article concerning public WiFi.
Local libraries in the federated library system include:
• Butler Area Public Library
• Cranberry Public Library
• South Butler Library
• Evans City Public Library
• Mars Public Library
• Prospect Community Library
• Zelienople Public Library
• Slippery Rock Community Library
• North Trails Public Library
• Chicora Community Library
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