A report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has warned that UK museums are vulnerable to cyberattacks and theft.
Following several high-profile security failures in recent years, including a cyber-attack at the British Library and thefts at the British Museum, the report identified weaknesses in security across the sector.
MPs found that priceless collections from galleries and museums across Britain could be at risk, noting that the government had failed in its approach to prevent further incidents.
Report suggests digital record-keeping should be explored to tackle cyber and physical security risks at museums
The report found that the government had shared lessons from the incidents across the sector, but it could not provide examples of specific actions taken to improve the security of systems and collections.
The committee said the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is not making full use of its position to help museums and galleries work together on these challenges.
It said measures such as digital record-keeping should be explored and has called on the department to outline the specific steps being taken across the sector to tackle cyber and physical security risks.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chair of the PAC, said: "Our museums and galleries are a treasured part of the fabric of our nation. The role they play in educating our people, preserving our shared history and showcasing our country to the world is quite simply priceless.
MPs have found that priceless collections from galleries and museums across Britain could be at risk
"However, they are being let down by a lack of leadership from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, which appears to have taken an almost hands-off approach to the challenges they face.
“Cyber-attacks, the theft of items from collections, and a fall in the number of visitors are just some of the issues museums and galleries are fighting to overcome.
"They’ve made great strides to become more financially resilient, however the lack of centralised support is leaving them vulnerable. Furthermore, government has not done nearly enough to provide incentives for museums and galleries to be in a position to support themselves financially.
Measures such as digital record-keeping should be explored
"The department must do more to encourage shared learning across organisations and play a more proactive role in driving value for money.”
The warning comes just three years after the British Museum revealed in 2023 that around 2,000 artefacts had been stolen.
In December that year, an independent security review found around 2,000 items were missing, stolen or damaged, with unregistered gems and jewellery among the main targets.
That same year, the British Library was hit by a ransomware attack that disrupted its online services for months and led to the theft of staff and user data.
Outside of the UK, jewels worth €88 million were stolen from the Louvre in Paris last year.
Images courtesy of the British Museum
