British Museum Partially Closes After Alleged IT Sabotage by Former Contractor
The British Museum cyber attack disruption over the weekend of January 25-26, 2025, after a former IT contractor allegedly compromised its systems in an act of cyber sabotage. The incident caused temporary closures of several exhibitions, impacting operations at one of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions.
The disruption began on the evening of January 23, 2025, when the ex-contractor, reportedly in his 50s, unlawfully gained access to the museum premises. Once inside, he is alleged to have tampered with critical IT infrastructure, including the ticketing system. This breach rendered the museum unable to manage visitor access to key exhibits, forcing the temporary closure of certain areas.
A spokesperson for the museum confirmed the incident, stating, “An IT contractor who was dismissed last week trespassed into the museum and shut down several of our systems. Police attended and he was arrested at the scene.” The Metropolitan Police corroborated this account, noting that the suspect was arrested on charges of burglary and criminal damage. He has since been released on bail pending further investigation.
The cyber incident led to the closure of two major exhibitions: the Silk Roads display, which explores the rich history of trade routes connecting Asia and Europe, and a Picasso exhibition featuring rare prints. Both exhibitions were highly anticipated and had attracted significant public interest. Affected ticket holders were promptly notified, with the museum offering refunds or rebooking options. By Monday, January 27, normal operations had resumed, with all exhibitions once again open to the public.
This is not the first security challenge to plague the British Museum. Recently, it was revealed that a former employee had allegedly stolen thousands of items from the museum over the course of three decades. The stolen artifacts, which included ancient coins, gems, and gold jewelry, were reportedly sold to collectors and auctioned online. These incidents have raised questions about the museum’s internal security protocols and its ability to safeguard its collections and systems.
The British Museum is not alone in facing such challenges. In 2023, the British Library experienced a major cyber-attack that exposed sensitive user data and caused significant operational disruptions. Such incidents highlight the growing risks of insider threats in cultural institutions and the need for robust security measures.
Cybersecurity experts have pointed to the importance of proactive measures to prevent such breaches. This includes strict access controls, regular audits, and thorough offboarding procedures for employees and contractors. Insider threats, though rare, can have a disproportionate impact on organizations, particularly those that rely on public trust and operational continuity.
While the British Museum has managed to recover from this latest incident relatively quickly, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by institutions of its scale. The museum’s swift response and cooperation with law enforcement were critical in containing the fallout, but questions remain about how the suspect was able to gain access to the building and its systems after his dismissal.
This incident underscores the urgent need for cultural institutions to prioritize cybersecurity and internal monitoring. As public-facing organizations, they hold not only priceless collections but also the responsibility to protect the digital and physical spaces they oversee. The British Museum’s experience is a cautionary tale for others, emphasizing that the threats of the digital age demand constant vigilance and investment in security.
The museum has assured visitors and stakeholders that it is reviewing its security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. As investigations continue, the focus now shifts to strengthening defenses against internal and external threats, ensuring the safety of both the collections and the visitors who come to admire them.
