{
  "id": 18305365,
  "title": "New York's Queens Public Library battles ransomware crims: Wi-Fi, checkouts, and website go dark",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/new-yorks-queens-public-library-battles-ransomware-crims-wi-fi-18305365",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-05T12:10:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Register",
    "slug": "the-register",
    "url": "https://www.theregister.com/cyber-crime/2026/11/05/new-yorks-queens-public-library-battles-ransomware-crims-wi-fi-checkouts-and-website-go-dark/5307796"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New York City's Queens Public Library (QPL) is currently grappling with a ransomware attack that has severely impacted its operations. On Wednesday evening, QPL confirmed the attack via social media and direct communication to patrons. The disruption has affected various aspects of the library's services, including its website, on-site computers, check-out and return machines, public Wi-Fi, mobile app, and digital media services. Notably, renewals are currently unavailable, although users are not penalized for late returns.\n\nDespite the closure of all three branches, including the central library in Jamaica, Queens, library staff emphasized that the library's physical locations remain open. However, QPL warned that it would take time to fully restore its network and systems. The library's IT department is actively working on resolving the issue and promises to keep the public informed. They apologized for the inconvenience caused and expressed gratitude for the public's patience.\n\nThe attack's origin remains unknown, as no ransomware group has claimed responsibility. While ransomware attacks on publicly funded institutions often result in non-lucrative outcomes, the British Library's experience in 2023 stands out. Rhysida, a ransomware group, refused to pay the 20 Bitcoin ransom demand, opting to drain their cash reserves and spend millions on an IT rebuild. Although praised for their response, few libraries can match the British Library's financial capacity to withstand such an extensive recovery period.\n\nA 2025/26 annual report revealed that the British Library's recovery from the ransomware attack is still incomplete, with work to restore customers' ability to purchase electronic resources and reopen access to electronic legal deposit content ongoing. The British Library expects to complete this task by the end of 2026.",
  "summary": "No gang has claimed the attack on incredible neighborhood resource yet",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}