Cheshire East Council has called in the police after eavesdropping devices were found on public computers in Wilmslow Library and Handforth Library.
Vigilant council staff spotted the small 'key logger' snooping devices attached to computer keyboard sockets at the back of two computers used by the public.
The small devices, which look like USB flash drives, are legal but may be used illegally to snoop on users' personal communication by recording every keystroke made – including potentially-sensitive material, like bank or credit card details.
Alert library staff seized two key loggers and handed them over to police, who are now investigating. A third device, spotted in the back of a computer in Wilmslow Library, disappeared before a supervisor could confiscate it.
Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: "Keeping library users' personal details and communications private and secure is of paramount importance to Cheshire East Council. We take this matter very seriously indeed and are now awaiting police reports on their findings.
"The vigilance and swift actions of our staff is to be commended but we will not be complacent. We will take all practical steps necessary to protect people's privacy and personal details and I urge the public to help us by being vigilant and sensible when using public computers at all times. If users have any concerns, they should alert our staff immediately."
Inspector Matt Welsted said: "I'm grateful to the library staff for their vigilance and encourage all holders of public access computer equipment to follow their lead.
"This is an example of how criminals have changed over the years to take advantage of technology and social trends.
"The good news is that incidents such as these are still very rare and easily prevented. If you think something is suspicious, then challenge it and tell us about it."
The Council has now checked all its public computers in libraries and customer service points for key loggers and no more have been found. ICT security has also been beefed up by having more frequent checks of equipment and ensuring all computer keyboards are now plugged into the front of machines –making any attempt at eavesdropping much more visible and preventable.
The interception of communications without lawful authorisation is a breach of section one of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
If you are concerned that your personal details may have been illegally used or taken, contact Cheshire police on 0845 4580000.
Comments
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I understand that the devices were attached to the computers via accessible sockets at the rear of the computer. Whilst it is great that eagle-eyed library staff were able to spot the problem on this occasion, the fact that the sockets were accessible in this way is worrying, not only could it lead to criminals accessing sensitive personal information and passwords, but it also leaves the computers more vulnerable to malicious viruses.
We rightly expect that computers made available through local libraries are secure. I urge anyone who has used their local library, to check bank and credit card statements and to report any irregular activity and to consider changing passwords.