The British Library Company Cyber Security Posture

bl.uk

We are the UKโ€™s national library. We give access to the worldโ€™s most comprehensive collection of over 170 million items - a living collection that grows every single day. Dating back 3,000 years, the collection includes Shakespeareโ€™s First Folio, Magna Carta, a rare recording of Florence Nightingale and even Sylvia Pankhurstโ€™s poems written on toilet paper from prisonโ€ฆ But the collection also includes this morningโ€™s newspapers, blogs and tweets, as well as a copy of every UK domain website. Our collection helps to open up a world of ideas. It can inspire people to start businesses. Spark new works of art and literature. Make scientific discoveries. Visit bl.uk to start your journey of discovery.

BL Company Details

Linkedin ID:

the-british-library

Employees number:

1316 employees

Number of followers:

88665.0

NAICS:

519

Industry Type:

Libraries

Homepage:

bl.uk

IP Addresses:

Scan still pending

Company ID:

THE_2153552

Scan Status:

In-progress

AI scoreBL Risk Score (AI oriented)

Between 900 and 1000

This score is AI-generated and less favored by cyber insurers, who prefer the TPRM score.

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The British Library Company Scoring based on AI Models

Model NameDateDescriptionCurrent Score DifferenceScore
AVERAGE-Industry03-12-2025

This score represents the average cybersecurity rating of companies already scanned within the same industry. It provides a benchmark to compare an individual company's security posture against its industry peers.

N/A

Between 900 and 1000

The British Library Company Cyber Security News & History

Past Incidents
2
Attack Types
1
EntityTypeSeverityImpactSeenUrl IDDetailsView
British LibraryRansomware10045/2025THE300050125Link
Rankiteo Explanation :
Attack with significant impact with customers data leaks

Description: In October 2023, the British Library, a government-sponsored public body, was hit by a catastrophic ransomware attack carried out by a Rhysida affiliate. Attackers likely exploited a lack of multi-factor authentication on an administrator account to gain initial access, then encrypted critical on-premises data and destroyed servers to disrupt recovery efforts and conceal their activities. They exfiltrated approximately 600 GB of sensitive internal data, including personally identifiable information (PII) on staff and library users, which was subsequently offered for sale and later published on the dark web. The library estimates direct financial losses of ยฃ1.6 million, covering incident response, system restoration, and operational downtime. While cloud-based services such as email, finance, HR, and payroll remained intact, extensive rebuilding of legacy infrastructure is underway during an 18-month renewal phase focused on upgrades and migrations to more secure architectures. The UK Information Commissionerโ€™s Office opted not to pursue formal penalties, instead commending the libraryโ€™s transparency and providing guidance to strengthen its cybersecurity defenses going forward.

British LibraryRansomware1007/2025THE952072325Link
Rankiteo Explanation :
Attack threatening the organizationโ€™s existence

Description: The October 2023 ransomware attack on the British Library destroyed the institutionโ€™s entire technology infrastructure, affecting access to one of the worldโ€™s most significant knowledge collections. This attack highlights the devastating impact of cyber threats on essential services.

The British Library Company Subsidiaries

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We are the UKโ€™s national library. We give access to the worldโ€™s most comprehensive collection of over 170 million items - a living collection that grows every single day. Dating back 3,000 years, the collection includes Shakespeareโ€™s First Folio, Magna Carta, a rare recording of Florence Nightingale and even Sylvia Pankhurstโ€™s poems written on toilet paper from prisonโ€ฆ But the collection also includes this morningโ€™s newspapers, blogs and tweets, as well as a copy of every UK domain website. Our collection helps to open up a world of ideas. It can inspire people to start businesses. Spark new works of art and literature. Make scientific discoveries. Visit bl.uk to start your journey of discovery.

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BL Cyber Security News

2025-07-04T08:46:26.000Z
Securing the Past for the Future: Cybersecurity Investments in Cultural Institutions After the British Library Crisis

This article examines the investment opportunities arising from this transformation, highlighting firms positioned to capitalize on theย ...

2024-09-30T07:00:00.000Z
Full transparency: 10 lessons from the cyber-attack on the British Library

British Library shares transparent report on ransomware cyber-attack that compromised its ability to function, involved and theft ofย ...

2025-05-01T07:00:00.000Z
British Library avoids investigation over ransomware attack, praised again for response

The U.K. Information Commissioner's Office said it will not investigate the British Library over a 2023 ransomware attack.

2025-03-22T07:00:00.000Z
Prioritisation, Expertise, and Funding Issues

The British Library is a flagship library that plays a pivotal role in the UK learning and research. infrastructure, in addition to being aย ...

2024-10-14T07:00:00.000Z
British Library slowly resuming service after cyber-attack

Officials at the British Library say that key services are slowly being restored following a catastrophic cyber-attack on the institution'sย ...

2025-05-01T07:00:00.000Z
Data watchdog will leave British Library alone โ€“ further probes 'not worth our time'

The UK's data protection overlord is not going to pursue any further investigation into the British Library's 2023 ransomware attack.

2024-11-28T10:07:53.000Z
Cyber Security Toolkit for Boards: updated briefing pack released

New presentation includes voiceover and insights on ransomware attack on the British Library.

2024-08-22T07:00:00.000Z
British Library issues ยฃ400,000 tender as rebuild continues after 2023 cyber attack

In October 2023, the British Library fell victim to a devastating ransomware attack which forced the institution to abandon many of its ITย ...

2024-02-06T08:00:00.000Z
Thanks to a shadowy hacker group, the British Library is still on its knees. Is there any way to stop them?

The future of cybercrime resembles an arms race between an industry of hackers-for-hire and the UK's weak defences.

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faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore insights on cybersecurity incidents, risk posture, and Rankiteo's assessments.

BL CyberSecurity History Information

How many cyber incidents has BL faced?

Total Incidents: According to Rankiteo, BL has faced 2 incidents in the past.

What types of cybersecurity incidents have occurred at BL?

Incident Types: The types of cybersecurity incidents that have occurred incidents Ransomware.

What was the total financial impact of these incidents on BL?

Total Financial Loss: The total financial loss from these incidents is estimated to be $1.60 million.

How does BL detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents?

Detection and Response: The company detects and responds to cybersecurity incidents through law enforcement notified with True and containment measures with Robust backup strategies, Air-gapped storage systems, Tested disaster recovery procedures and enhanced monitoring with NCSC Early Warning service and remediation measures with Upgrades and migrations to more secure architectures and recovery measures with System restoration, Extensive rebuilding of legacy infrastructure and communication strategy with Transparency.

Incident Details

Can you provide details on each incident?

Incident : Ransomware

Title: UK Government Bans Ransomware Payments for Public Sector and Critical Infrastructure

Description: The UK government has announced comprehensive measures to tackle ransomware attacks, including a ban on paying ransom demands for public sector organizations and critical national infrastructure operators.

Type: Ransomware

Motivation: Financial

Incident : Ransomware

Title: British Library Ransomware Attack

Description: In October 2023, the British Library, a government-sponsored public body, was hit by a catastrophic ransomware attack carried out by a Rhysida affiliate. Attackers likely exploited a lack of multi-factor authentication on an administrator account to gain initial access, then encrypted critical on-premises data and destroyed servers to disrupt recovery efforts and conceal their activities. They exfiltrated approximately 600 GB of sensitive internal data, including personally identifiable information (PII) on staff and library users, which was subsequently offered for sale and later published on the dark web. The library estimates direct financial losses of ยฃ1.6 million, covering incident response, system restoration, and operational downtime. While cloud-based services such as email, finance, HR, and payroll remained intact, extensive rebuilding of legacy infrastructure is underway during an 18-month renewal phase focused on upgrades and migrations to more secure architectures. The UK Information Commissionerโ€™s Office opted not to pursue formal penalties, instead commending the libraryโ€™s transparency and providing guidance to strengthen its cybersecurity defenses going forward.

Date Detected: October 2023

Type: Ransomware

Attack Vector: Lack of multi-factor authentication on an administrator account

Threat Actor: Rhysida affiliate

Motivation: Financial gain

What are the most common types of attacks the company has faced?

Common Attack Types: The most common types of attacks the company has faced is Ransomware.

How does the company identify the attack vectors used in incidents?

Identification of Attack Vectors: The company identifies the attack vectors used in incidents through Lack of multi-factor authentication on an administrator account.

Impact of the Incidents

What was the impact of each incident?

Incident : Ransomware THE952072325

Systems Affected: Technology infrastructure of the British Library

Operational Impact: Access to knowledge collections, Patient fatalities in NHS organizations

Incident : Ransomware THE300050125

Financial Loss: ยฃ1.6 million

Data Compromised: 600 GB of sensitive internal data

Systems Affected: on-premises data and servers

Downtime: Operational downtime

Operational Impact: Extensive rebuilding of legacy infrastructure

Identity Theft Risk: High

What is the average financial loss per incident?

Average Financial Loss: The average financial loss per incident is $800.00 thousand.

What types of data are most commonly compromised in incidents?

Commonly Compromised Data Types: The types of data most commonly compromised in incidents are Personally identifiable information (PII).

Which entities were affected by each incident?

Incident : Ransomware THE952072325

Entity Type: Public Sector

Industry: Education

Location: UK

Incident : Ransomware THE952072325

Entity Type: Public Sector

Industry: Healthcare

Location: UK

Incident : Ransomware THE952072325

Entity Type: Public Sector

Industry: Education

Location: UK

Incident : Ransomware THE952072325

Entity Type: Public Sector

Industry: Government

Location: UK

Incident : Ransomware THE952072325

Entity Type: Public Sector

Industry: ['Energy', 'Transportation', 'Telecommunications']

Location: UK

Incident : Ransomware THE300050125

Entity Type: Government-sponsored public body

Industry: Library and Information Services

Location: United Kingdom

Response to the Incidents

What measures were taken in response to each incident?

Incident : Ransomware THE952072325

Law Enforcement Notified: True

Containment Measures: Robust backup strategies, Air-gapped storage systems, Tested disaster recovery procedures

Enhanced Monitoring: NCSC Early Warning service

Incident : Ransomware THE300050125

Remediation Measures: Upgrades and migrations to more secure architectures

Recovery Measures: System restoration, Extensive rebuilding of legacy infrastructure

Communication Strategy: Transparency

Data Breach Information

What type of data was compromised in each breach?

Incident : Ransomware THE952072325

Data Exfiltration: Encrypted file systems, Sensitive data

Data Encryption: ['AES-256', 'RSA-2048']

Incident : Ransomware THE300050125

Type of Data Compromised: Personally identifiable information (PII)

Sensitivity of Data: High

Data Exfiltration: 600 GB

Personally Identifiable Information: Staff and library users

What measures does the company take to prevent data exfiltration?

Prevention of Data Exfiltration: The company takes the following measures to prevent data exfiltration: Upgrades and migrations to more secure architectures.

How does the company handle incidents involving personally identifiable information (PII)?

Handling of PII Incidents: The company handles incidents involving personally identifiable information (PII) through were Robust backup strategies, Air-gapped storage systems and Tested disaster recovery procedures.

Ransomware Information

Was ransomware involved in any of the incidents?

Incident : Ransomware THE952072325

Data Encryption: ['AES-256', 'RSA-2048']

Data Exfiltration: True

Incident : Ransomware THE300050125

Ransomware Strain: Rhysida

Data Encryption: Critical on-premises data

Data Exfiltration: 600 GB of sensitive internal data

How does the company recover data encrypted by ransomware?

Data Recovery from Ransomware: The company recovers data encrypted by ransomware through System restoration, Extensive rebuilding of legacy infrastructure.

Regulatory Compliance

Were there any regulatory violations and fines imposed for each incident?

Incident : Ransomware THE952072325

Regulatory Notifications: Mandatory incident notification protocols

Incident : Ransomware THE300050125

Regulatory Notifications: UK Information Commissionerโ€™s Office

Lessons Learned and Recommendations

What lessons were learned from each incident?

Incident : Ransomware THE952072325

Lessons Learned: The measures represent a fundamental shift in approaching ransomware threats, aiming to disrupt the cyber criminal business model while protecting critical services.

What recommendations were made to prevent future incidents?

Incident : Ransomware THE952072325

Recommendations: Adopt Cyber Essentials certification framework, Utilize NCSC Early Warning service

What are the key lessons learned from past incidents?

Key Lessons Learned: The key lessons learned from past incidents are The measures represent a fundamental shift in approaching ransomware threats, aiming to disrupt the cyber criminal business model while protecting critical services.

What recommendations has the company implemented to improve cybersecurity?

Implemented Recommendations: The company has implemented the following recommendations to improve cybersecurity: Adopt Cyber Essentials certification framework, Utilize NCSC Early Warning service.

References

Where can I find more information about each incident?

Incident : Ransomware THE952072325

Source: UK Government Announcement

Where can stakeholders find additional resources on cybersecurity best practices?

Additional Resources: Stakeholders can find additional resources on cybersecurity best practices at and Source: UK Government Announcement.

Investigation Status

How does the company communicate the status of incident investigations to stakeholders?

Communication of Investigation Status: The company communicates the status of incident investigations to stakeholders through was Transparency.

Initial Access Broker

How did the initial access broker gain entry for each incident?

Incident : Ransomware THE300050125

Entry Point: Lack of multi-factor authentication on an administrator account

Post-Incident Analysis

What were the root causes and corrective actions taken for each incident?

Incident : Ransomware THE300050125

Root Causes: Lack of multi-factor authentication

Corrective Actions: Upgrades and migrations to more secure architectures

What is the company's process for conducting post-incident analysis?

Post-Incident Analysis Process: The company's process for conducting post-incident analysis is described as NCSC Early Warning service.

What corrective actions has the company taken based on post-incident analysis?

Corrective Actions Taken: The company has taken the following corrective actions based on post-incident analysis: Upgrades and migrations to more secure architectures.

Additional Questions

General Information

Who was the attacking group in the last incident?

Last Attacking Group: The attacking group in the last incident was an Rhysida affiliate.

Incident Details

What was the most recent incident detected?

Most Recent Incident Detected: The most recent incident detected was on October 2023.

Impact of the Incidents

What was the highest financial loss from an incident?

Highest Financial Loss: The highest financial loss from an incident was ยฃ1.6 million.

What was the most significant data compromised in an incident?

Most Significant Data Compromised: The most significant data compromised in an incident was 600 GB of sensitive internal data.

What was the most significant system affected in an incident?

Most Significant System Affected: The most significant system affected in an incident was Technology infrastructure of the British Library and on-premises data and servers.

Response to the Incidents

What containment measures were taken in the most recent incident?

Containment Measures in Most Recent Incident: The containment measures taken in the most recent incident were Robust backup strategies, Air-gapped storage systems and Tested disaster recovery procedures.

Data Breach Information

What was the most sensitive data compromised in a breach?

Most Sensitive Data Compromised: The most sensitive data compromised in a breach was 600 GB of sensitive internal data.

Lessons Learned and Recommendations

What was the most significant lesson learned from past incidents?

Most Significant Lesson Learned: The most significant lesson learned from past incidents was The measures represent a fundamental shift in approaching ransomware threats, aiming to disrupt the cyber criminal business model while protecting critical services.

What was the most significant recommendation implemented to improve cybersecurity?

Most Significant Recommendation Implemented: The most significant recommendation implemented to improve cybersecurity was Adopt Cyber Essentials certification framework, Utilize NCSC Early Warning service.

References

What is the most recent source of information about an incident?

Most Recent Source: The most recent source of information about an incident is UK Government Announcement.

Initial Access Broker

What was the most recent entry point used by an initial access broker?

Most Recent Entry Point: The most recent entry point used by an initial access broker was an Lack of multi-factor authentication on an administrator account.

What Do We Measure?

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Digital Assets

Every week, Rankiteo analyzes billions of signals to give organizations a sharper, faster view of emerging risks. With deeper, more actionable intelligence at their fingertips, security teams can outpace threat actors, respond instantly to Zero-Day attacks, and dramatically shrink their risk exposure window.

These are some of the factors we use to calculate the overall score:

Network Security

Identify exposed access points, detect misconfigured SSL certificates, and uncover vulnerabilities across the network infrastructure.

SBOM (Software Bill of Materials)

Gain visibility into the software components used within an organization to detect vulnerabilities, manage risk, and ensure supply chain security.

CMDB (Configuration Management Database)

Monitor and manage all IT assets and their configurations to ensure accurate, real-time visibility across the company's technology environment.

Threat Intelligence

Leverage real-time insights on active threats, malware campaigns, and emerging vulnerabilities to proactively defend against evolving cyberattacks.

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