For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Katie Leone, Marketing and Communications Manager
kleone@sno-isle.org, opens a new window / (360) 651-7050
Statement by Sno-Isle Libraries Technical Services Director Nick Fuchs
“On April 6, we began receiving reports from Sno-Isle Libraries employees that someone had fraudulently filed a tax return using the staff members’ identity. We take all potential cybersecurity threats seriously and treat them with the utmost care and launched an internal data investigation.
“After further investigation, it was determined that on March 22, 2023, a third party obtained unauthorized access to employee information. Employees who worked at Sno-Isle Libraries in 2022 were the victims of a spear phishing attack. A spear phishing attack targets someone to acquire sensitive information or access to a computer system by sending counterfeit messages that appear to be legitimate. Cybersecurity attacks are consistently changing, and we actively train and adapt our technology to prevent unauthorized users and new malicious techniques.
“Sno-Isle Libraries customer data and information remains secure. To register for a library card, we only require basic contact information and do not collect social security numbers from customers. This specific incident was targeted and limited to employment information. In over 60 years, this is the first time there has been unauthorized access to any Sno-Isle Libraries protected employee information. We are actively working with our employees to ensure their data is secure and are providing impacted Sno-Isle Libraries employees with three years of credit monitoring.
“Cybersecurity breaches have been a growing concern across our nation. Sno-Isle Libraries will remain diligent in protecting our staff and customer data through data encryption, strong password protections, aggressive security monitoring, ongoing training, and continuing investments in cybersecurity.
