The British Library Company Cyber Security Posture
bl.ukWe are the UK’s national library. We give access to the world’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 Shakespeare’s First Folio, Magna Carta, a rare recording of Florence Nightingale and even Sylvia Pankhurst’s poems written on toilet paper from prison… But the collection also includes this morning’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
the-british-library
1316 employees
88665.0
519
Libraries
bl.uk
Scan still pending
THE_2153552
In-progress
BL Risk Score (AI oriented)Between 900 and 1000
This score is AI-generated and less favored by cyber insurers, who prefer the TPRM score.
BL Global Score.png)
The British Library Company Scoring based on AI Models
| Model Name | Date | Description | Current Score Difference | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVERAGE-Industry | 03-12-2025 | 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
| Entity | Type | Severity | Impact | Seen | Url ID | Details | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Library | Ransomware | 100 | 4 | 5/2025 | THE300050125 | Link | |
Rankiteo Explanation : Attack with significant impact with customers data leaksDescription: 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 £1.6 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 Commissioner’s Office opted not to pursue formal penalties, instead commending the library’s transparency and providing guidance to strengthen its cybersecurity defenses going forward. | |||||||
| British Library | Ransomware | 100 | 7/2025 | THE952072325 | Link | ||
Rankiteo Explanation : Attack threatening the organization’s existenceDescription: The October 2023 ransomware attack on the British Library destroyed the institution’s entire technology infrastructure, affecting access to one of the world’s most significant knowledge collections. This attack highlights the devastating impact of cyber threats on essential services. | |||||||
The British Library Company Subsidiaries
We are the UK’s national library. We give access to the world’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 Shakespeare’s First Folio, Magna Carta, a rare recording of Florence Nightingale and even Sylvia Pankhurst’s poems written on toilet paper from prison… But the collection also includes this morning’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
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 the ...
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 of ...
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.
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 a ...
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's ...
Data watchdog will leave British Library alone – 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.
Cyber Security Toolkit for Boards: updated briefing pack released
New presentation includes voiceover and insights on ransomware attack on the British Library.
British Library issues £400,000 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 IT ...
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.
BL Similar Companies
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 £1.6 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 Commissioner’s Office opted not to pursue formal penalties, instead commending the library’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: £1.6 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: ['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 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 Commissioner’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 £1.6 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?
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:
Identify exposed access points, detect misconfigured SSL certificates, and uncover vulnerabilities across the network infrastructure.
Gain visibility into the software components used within an organization to detect vulnerabilities, manage risk, and ensure supply chain security.
Monitor and manage all IT assets and their configurations to ensure accurate, real-time visibility across the company's technology environment.
Leverage real-time insights on active threats, malware campaigns, and emerging vulnerabilities to proactively defend against evolving cyberattacks.
