Data breach triggers closure of all Deschutes Public Library locations through the weekend; website also down
(Update: New information from library director)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A data breach has prompted the precautionary closure of all Deschutes Public Library locations through the weekend, but library officials say they are confident no patrons' information has been exposed to potential hackers.
"We're feeling like it's looking really good" for the library system to reopen for regular hours on Monday and Tuesday, Library Director Todd Dunkelberg told KTVZ News Friday afternoon, adding, "We are very confident that no customer records were compromised."
"We've never had a problem like this," said Dunkelberg, who recently announced his planned retirement next fall after 16 years in the position and 26 years with the library system.
He said security software alerted staff to the breach that likely hit only some files on older servers, affecting the library's communications department, and not customer information.
The library website also was taken down Friday. However, customers can still access and reserve materials through the library’s catalog (https://dpl.bibliocommons.com) and through the Libby app, where you can access eBooks, digital audiobooks, and magazines. Book drops also are closed at all locations during this time, they said.
“Our web and IT staff are working diligently to bring our network back up to speed,” assisted by an outside firm, Dunkelberg said. “We apologize for this unexpected shutdown. Our priority is getting back online and open for our customers as soon as possible.”
Other library resources that can be accessed during this time include:
- Creativebug (https://dpl.pub/creativebug)
- LinkedIn Learning (https://dpl.pub/linkedin)
- Mango Languages (https://dpl.pub/mango)
Dunkelberg also wanted to assure library patrons that a special visitor won't be delayed: the upcoming visit by Michael "The Train Man" Lavrich, starting on Saturday, Dec. 20 in still on track.
