FlagThis - #InsiderThreat

A former IT contractor, recently dismissed by the British Museum, is alleged to have sabotaged the institution's IT systems last week, resulting in the temporary closure of several exhibitions. The individual reportedly gained unauthorized access to the museum and shut down critical systems, causing significant disruption. Police were called to the scene and arrested the man, who is in his 50s, on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage. He has since been released on bail while investigations are ongoing.

The incident has forced the British Museum to close its temporary exhibitions including displays focusing on the Silk Roads, Hew Locke, and prints by Pablo Picasso until the weekend while the IT systems are being restored. The museum has stated that ticket holders have been alerted and offered refunds, although notices about the closures have now been removed from the museum's website. The museum has not provided further details regarding how the former contractor gained entry or the exact nature of the damage, but investigations into the incident are ongoing.


References :

• go.theregister.com: British Museum says ex-contractor 'shut down' IT systems, wreaked havoc
• www.heise.de: Ex-employee sabotages IT: British Museum forced to close temporary exhibitions A frustrated ex-employee allegedly broke into the British Museum and damaged the IT there. This had consequences for the exhibitions.
• The Register: British Museum says ex-contractor 'shut down' IT systems, wreaked havoc - Source: theregister.com
• heise online English: Ex-employee sabotages IT: British Museum forced to close temporary exhibitions - Source: heise.de

Classification:

• HashTags: #InsiderThreat #BritishMuseum #ITsabotage
• Company: British Museum
• Target: British Museum
• Attacker: Disgruntled ex-employee
• Product: IT infrastructure
• Feature: IT systems
• Type: Hack
• Severity: Medium