JK Rowling’s personal data could have been compromised in British Library cyber attack

The data hack could be particularly concerning for high-profile writers such as JK Rowling – SAMIR HUSSEIN/WIREIMAGE

JK Rowling could be among famous authors whose postal addresses and other private details may be on the dark web following a cyber attack on the British Library.

Customer and employee data was stolen in the attack, which happened on Oct 31, and the library has yet to restore its website, online systems and some onsite services.

Rhysida, a ransomware gang, has claimed responsibility for the hack and said it will be auctioning off stolen data.

Concerns are growing among the UK’s literary elite after the British Library confirmed that the hackers may also have obtained data relating to the Public Lending Right (PLR), which processes payments for the lending of their books from UK libraries.

An email seen by The Telegraph and sent to authors last month read: “You’re being contacted because you have previously registered for the Public Lending Right scheme.

“Information from our internal management databases appear to have been accessed and copied. These contain the name, postal address and email address of many of our users, including PLR customers.”

The letter assured the authors there was “no evidence” that “copies of passports or other identity documents used during PLR registration” were compromised.

The British Library confirmed that the hackers may also have obtained data relating to the Public Lending Right

There is no suggestion that financial data such as bank account details were stolen as well. Cyber experts say organisations usually keep these on separate and closely guarded systems.

However, the email advised authors to change passwords for other online services and warned: “Over the coming months, you should also be particularly alert for phishing emails and scam phone calls or text messages.”

The email may be particularly concerning for high-profile writers such as Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books.

The billionaire previously went to the police when three trans rights activists posted photos of themselves standing outside her home holding placards, with the house number and name only partially obscured in the photograph. Police investigated the 2021 incident but later confirmed that no criminality had been established.

Tim Coates, a library campaigner, said: “Recently, it [the British Library] took over operation of the UK Public Lending Right. It makes one feel that the British Library should not have strayed into an attempt at very modern internet management.”

Brian Lake of Jarndyce, a leading antiquarian bookseller and long-standing secretary of the British Library’s Regular Readers’ Group, said: “Anything like this is worrying – your own information can be out there and you’re therefore susceptible to having money taken off you, or having your name used in vain.”

Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor for the firm ESET, said: “A line of data for an average person may be sold for as little as $0.50, but if a criminal is able to extract the personal data of famous or well-known people, that will have a higher value if it is sold on the dark web.”

A spokesman for Rowling declined to comment and did not confirm or deny whether the author had received a letter.

A British Library spokesman also declined to comment, but directed The Telegraph to its latest post on X, formerly known as Twitter, which reads: “The British Library is continuing to experience a major technology outage as a result of a cyber attack.

“We are continuing to work with the Metropolitan Police and our professional cyber security advisors to examine what this material is and will be contacting our users to advise them of the practical steps they may need to take in this situation.”

It also said it was receiving ongoing additional support from the National Cyber Security Centre and had notified the Information Commissioner’s Office that user data might have been affected.

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