**A Cyberattack Forces an Oregon Library System Offline for Days**

The Deschutes Public Library has been forced to close all locations until Monday morning due to a cybersecurity attack that occurred on Thursday morning. The library's IT department detected suspicious activity on one of the library's servers and immediately shut down the server and remote access to the computer systems.

According to Todd Dunkelberg, the library director, the decision to close the library was made in abundance of caution. "We didn't want to try to operate and try to solve these issues," he said. "That probably would have opened us to more threats. For the safety and security for everybody, it was best to really take a cautionary road."

The library's IT staff are working around the clock to conduct a full forensic review of the attack and the affected files. The library has cyber insurance, which has connected them with Arete, a company specializing in cybersecurity. Dunkelberg said he is "very confident" that no confidential information was compromised during the attack, including sensitive and confidential information concerning library staff and patrons.

The only files affected by the attack are press releases, photographs, video footage, and other promotional material created by the library's communications staff. The library's financial records were also not affected. This is the first time the library's system has been hacked, although Dunkelberg noted that there are always attempts to hack into the library's computer system.

The Deschutes County library system is not alone in falling victim to cyberattacks. Earlier this year, the Pierce County Library System in Washington state experienced a cyberattack that compromised the personal information of over 340,000 patrons and library staff. The Seattle Public Library also experienced an attack this year, which affected 27,000 people.

Despite the library's precautions, Dunkelberg said they are "pretty lucky." He noted that the decision to close all library branches through Monday morning was a conservative approach. "We didn't want to try to operate and try to solve these issues," he repeated. "That probably would have opened us to more threats."

Patrons may still access their library account through the Biblio Commons website and use the Libby app to access online books, audiobooks, and magazines. However, book browsing and returns are not available due to the closure of the library branches.

The impact on patrons is minimal, with two events scheduled for this weekend canceled. Dunkelberg estimated that between 1,500 to 2,500 people visit the library's branches in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver, and La Pine every day – the largest library system in Central Oregon.

One event that will not be derailed is the "Train Man" display, which attracts approximately 6,000 visitors each year. Dunkelberg said, "that starts on Monday." The library's IT staff are working to reset all security protocols and ensure the safety of patrons' information.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in public institutions. As more and more people rely on digital services, libraries must be vigilant in protecting their systems and data from cyber threats.