ENGLAND: The British Museum has temporarily restricted access to some of its galleries after an incident involving a former employee allegedly shutting down parts of its IT network. The incident was reported to have affected systems essential for the operation of various exhibits, services, and visitor facilities. The museum’s spokesperson has confirmed that the issue was detected swiftly, and immediate measures were taken to ensure minimal disruption to the overall visitor experience. While some areas of the museum remain open, others are undergoing maintenance to restore normalcy.
The museum’s management has emphasized that they are working closely with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement to investigate the situation. Authorities have begun probing the case of the alleged sabotage, seeking to understand the motivations behind the actions of the former employee. The museum expressed concern over the impact this may have on its reputation and operations, especially considering the timing of the disruption, which occurred during a busy tourist season. However, the museum remains committed to resuming full operations as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, visitors have been advised to check the museum’s official website or contact the visitor services team for updates on which galleries and services are available. The museum has also put in place alternative methods for accessing information, ensuring that guests can still enjoy educational experiences through digital platforms and audio guides. Efforts are ongoing to limit the effects on the museum’s global outreach programs, which rely heavily on digital infrastructure for exhibitions and virtual tours.
The incident has raised concerns about security protocols within cultural institutions. Experts are calling for a review of cybersecurity measures in museums and galleries, particularly as these venues continue to integrate more digital technologies to enhance the visitor experience. With many museums moving toward greater reliance on tech, the British Museum’s case may serve as a wake-up call for other institutions to bolster their network defenses against potential internal threats.
