It got a little lost among the rush of news late last year, but we finally have an answer to what shut down the Alexandria Library’s electronic services last year.
For several weeks in July, the Alexandria Library was crippled by a ‘data incident’ that led to the city’s audiobooks, wifi, library card signup and more being shut down.
Some of those services, like wifi and audiobooks, were restored after a few weeks, others took longer.
The Alexandria Library said in a post in November that the Alexandria Library had been the victim of a ransomware attack:
The Alexandria Library system recently experienced a partial network outage due to a ransomware attack which encrypted several servers. The investigation by cybersecurity professionals and law enforcement is substantially complete and concluded that Library patron information was not accessed or compromised. Alexandria Library does not collect or retain the personally identifiable information (PII) of its patrons and borrower history was not contained on the encrypted servers. The Library has implemented additional security measures designed to prevent a reoccurrence of such incidents and to further protect and enhance the privacy of our employees, patrons and vendors. All impacted services have been restored.
The Alexandria Library was a closed book for much of last year about the cause of the shutdown but did say that cybersecurity professionals and law enforcement had been called in to investigate the incident.
State of emergency declared in Virginia over gasoline shortages — “Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency Tuesday afternoon to address gasoline supply disruptions across the state due to a cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline.” [Patch]
Potomac Riverkeepers disavow Silberberg mailer — “Potomac Riverkeeper Network learned today that Allison Silberberg’s campaign to be the next Mayor of Alexandria recently distributed a flyer that included an apparent endorsement by Dean Naujoks, the Potomac Riverkeeper and a member of our staff… Potomac Riverkeeper is neutral and does not endorse Alison Silberberg’s candidacy for Mayor of Alexandria. Potomac Riverkeeper Network supports clean water, not individual candidates.” [Twitter]
Virginia ABC stores returning to pre-pandemic hours starting Friday — “After more than a year of reduced operating hours in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) stores will return to pre-pandemic operating hours on May 14, 2021.” [Zebra]
Fairfax County seeks public input on the former Mount Vernon Athletic Club — “The former Mount Vernon Athletic Club at 7950 and 7960 Audobon Ave. in Fairfax County’s Lee District is undergoing a transformation.” [Alexandria Living]
Today’s weather — “Partly cloudy (during the day). High 67F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph… Mostly clear skies (in the evening). Low 46F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]
New job: Assistant camp director — “The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is one of the largest charities in the DC area. The Y serves as an anchor in the community offering programs and services encompassing youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.” [Indeed]
Intelligence company Nisos (603 King Street) announced today that it has gained $6 million in funding, primarily from a cybersecurity investment group.
The company specializes in countering disinformation and responding to cyber attacks. Nisos said in a press release the new funding will allow the company to expand its international operations and marketing work.
The latest round of funding was led by Paladin Capital Group, a cyber venture capital firm.
“The conflicts of the future will be waged over intelligence, information and deception,” said Chris Steed, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director of Paladin Capital Group, in a press release. “Paladin has identified a demand for external-facing intelligence from companies encountering the looming threat of deception and disinformation and we are excited that Nisos’ solutions are able to address this need. We’re looking forward to helping Nisos expand and cement its leadership in the managed intelligence space.”
The company made headlines last year with a report detailing advances in deepfake scam technology.
According to the press release:
Nisos solutions enable security, intelligence, and trust & safety teams to leverage a world-class intelligence capability tailored to their needs… Its blue-chip clients include Fortune 100 corporations and internet platform companies.
Image via Nisos
Historic Waterfront Building Becoming Restaurant — “More details have recently been unveiled about the cafe and market going in at the 10 Duke Street warehouse building. Alexandrian Murray Bonnitt, a custom builder who specializes in historic preservation, is renovating the building, which served as a Civil War mess hall. Dubbed The Mill, it is part of the Robinson Landing development on Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
City Recognizes Cybersecurity Month — “During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, and year-round, the City of Alexandria encourages the public to understand the importance of cybersecurity and to stay safe and secure online.” [City of Alexandria]
Local Life Expectancy Varies by ZIP Code — “The average life expectancy in Alexandria is 81.70, which is higher than the 79.20 statewide average, and above the 78.60 national average… The life expectancy in the area of 100 King Street is 84.60 years, while it’s 79.70 years for 1000 Mount Vernon Avenue.” [Patch]
Changes May Be Coming to Duke Street — “On the heels of a controversial decision to reduce vehicle lanes and add bicycle lanes and more safety measures to Seminary Road, Alexandria City staff are starting to take a serious look at Duke Street, especially in areas that experience the most significant backups.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
Loan Companies Giving Money to Local Pols — “Alexandria has eight car-title lending locations and two payday lenders, plus a growing number of companies offering online loans at nosebleed interest rates. It’s an industry that’s been under fire in recent years, and now campaign-finance disclosures show these companies are spreading their money around to Democrats and Republicans in an effort to influence the next General Assembly.” [Gazette Packet]
Pharmacy Owner Sentenced for Fraud — “A pharmacy owner with stores in Arlington and Alexandria has been sentenced to four years behind bars for falsifying insurance claims and illegally dispensing opioids.” [ARLnow]
Letter Writer: Art Festival Was Traffic ‘Disaster’ — Alexandria resident Townsend A. “Van” Van Fleet writes in a letter to the editor: “A perfect example of overstretching our infrastructure occurred over the weekend when the annual Arts Festival invaded our turf. Anyone who came into Old Town on Saturday saw the largest traffic and parking disaster in years.” [Gazette Packet]
