Douglas County Libraries Data Breach

Understanding the Douglas County Libraries Data Breach

If you're a member of the Douglas County Libraries community, it's important to be aware of a recent cybersecurity incident that may have affected your personal information. On January 14, 2024, the library system experienced a ransomware attack that temporarily impacted the availability of some library services.

An investigation, which included assistance from leading cybersecurity firms, found that unauthorized access to the library's systems occurred between January 13 and January 14, 2024. By February 11, it was discovered that data purportedly stolen from the library's systems was being leaked by the attackers.

What Information Was Compromised?

The unauthorized access resulted in the potential exposure of personal information, including names and Social Security numbers of individuals associated with Douglas County Libraries. This kind of information can be used for identity theft and other fraudulent activities, making it crucial for those affected to take protective measures.

Steps Taken by Douglas County Libraries

Douglas County Libraries has taken the breach seriously, implementing additional security measures to prevent future incidents and continuing to support law enforcement in their investigation. The library is also providing resources to help individuals protect their identities, including a complimentary membership to Experian IdentityWorksSM, which offers identity detection and resolution services.

Immediate Actions You Can Take

• Review the enclosed "Information About Identity Theft Protection" guide for steps you can take to secure your personal information.
• Activate your complimentary Experian IdentityWorksSM membership by visiting the Experian IdentityWorksSM website and using the provided activation code before June 30, 2024.
• Monitor your financial statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You can obtain a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies once every 12 months via AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
• Consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit file to make it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.

For More Information

Douglas County Libraries has expressed regret for the incident and is offering support for those with questions or concerns. You can contact them at 833-918-1324, Monday through Friday, between 7 am and 7 pm MST.

For additional details regarding the Experian IdentityWorksSM membership and other protective measures, please refer to the Notice to Consumers provided by the library.

Conclusion

In the wake of this data breach, it's crucial to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect your personal information. Douglas County Libraries is committed to assisting affected individuals and enhancing their cybersecurity measures to prevent such incidents in the future. If you believe you've been impacted, don't hesitate to use the resources provided and reach out for support.