Internet and account access restored at Contra Costa County Libraries
Several key services at the 26 Contra Costa County Library locations are working again after the Library experienced a network outage this week. Internet, WiFi and online account access are up and running along with some digital resources. With account access being restored, library patrons are able to place holds online and check their account status. Patrons can also access Discover & Go for museum passes, the streaming service Kanopy, and Overdrive (Libby) for eBook and eAudiobook checkouts.
The service outage occurred as remediation work to restore library services and secure the network continues after the January 3 cyber security incident. The County Department of Information Technology (DOIT) is leading the still active investigation in coordination with state and federal investigators.
DOIT, Library IT staff and industry experts are all working to perform necessary maintenance, upgrade and install new security software and modernize the Library’s technology infrastructure.
“The work that is underway will do much more than just restore services; it will strengthen the network,” said DOIT’s Chief Information Officer Marc Shorr. “These changes and upgrades will improve the reliability and security of the network and help to prevent future impact to services.”
The Library has no evidence that any personal patron data has been compromised. The server that stores patron data related to library card accounts and transactions was not affected. The Library only collects name, address, phone number, email address and birth date. The Library does not collect social security numbers and does not store credit card payment information.
Library services like Link+ and some of the other online resources and databases will take a little longer to come back online.
“We know this recovery has been frustrating,” said County Librarian Melinda Cervantes. “We appreciate how understanding everyone has been and want to reassure library users that we have made restoring services to the public the first priority.”
The Library will continue to update ccclib.org as additional services are restored.
Patrons with questions about impacted library services can contact Library Administration at (925) 608-7700 during regular business hours.
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