Libraries around the world are quickly adopting technology to better manage their inventory and staff. The problem for libraries is that they can’t afford I.T. departments to help secure data and the like, so there are always common risks that libraries face. So, if you’re using an online master of information program to obtain an online MLIS degree, you’ll want to learn to become a techwhiz to help you adapt to today’s library environments. Here are some of the security issues that libraries face.
Inexperienced Staff
The problem most libraries have is that staff members delete information on the system by accident (or on purpose) and, if it’s not carefully backed up at regular intervals, such information is lost forever. This can pose asignificant risk to important library information and data, so certain practices need to be implemented in terms of good backup software to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Unsecured Data Transfer
Libraries now send and retrieve data from databases to help better manage inventory and the like, but some libraries don’t have the right data encryption practices in place. This can often lead to lost data and sometimes, the data easily obtainable by criminals.
Staff Authentication
While inexperienced staffposesecurity risks in terms of loss of information, it’s not just staff that have access to certain library management systems. Because library management doesn’t believe their library is a target, they’ll often not have the right staff authentication procedures. This means that anyone can come in off the streets and secure access to library management systems to undertake certain criminal activities.
Invalid Content
Staff members will often need to look through emails from other library professionals, and that means there is a risk when it comes to downloading content onto the library system. Emails can come from anywhere and, if staff members aren’t careful, certain files can pose a risk to data and information on databases. Libraries forget to implement practices so staff members can’t download invalid content.
Lack of Tech Savvy Staff Members
Another security issue that many libraries are faced with is that their staff members aren’t that savvy when it comes to technology. Some members don’t understand how backups work, and that means they’ll never know whether the information is securely backed up at regular intervals. It’s important that staff members know how data and security work so they can better serve the library management system that’s already in place.
Phishing Scams
As stated above, opening emails and downloading unknown files can be very risky to library management systems, but isn’t just emails that play a role. Sometimes, the opening of unsecured web pages and downloading files for research purposes can often lead to third party data extraction. Phishing scams are a big problem when it comes to replicating data, so security procedures need to come into play to prevent these type of security risks from happening.
The above are just some of the many security issues that libraries are faced with every day. It’s great to see libraries implementing different technologies to help them stay up with the digital age, but if it’s not implemented correctly, it could spell disaster for library management.
