Deep Freeze: Ensuring System Integrity in Public Libraries

In 2025, a public library’s digital offerings are as important as the physical books they lend. First, they lend eBooks and audio books, often over library apps. Second, people typically place holds on books on their local library’s website. And last, many people go to the library to use the computers there, looking up information, learning or just having fun.

This places a great importance on libraries’ IT systems and networks. But public libraries face many challenges to maintain and operate a safe system. What can they do?

Public Libraries and Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is an important issue for all organizations, from multinational enterprises to small businesses to healthcare networks. For public libraries, though, the challenges are many. Pretty much anybody can use a public library’s network. This is what makes libraries great, but it also means they face many threats. Let’s look at these issues:

Security Threats

There’s a reason public libraries are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks and security issues: Anybody can use them. Library patrons browse the internet freely and may download files or use external storage devices, increasing the risk of infections. Keyloggers and unauthorized software installations can lead to data theft or system compromise.

Phishing attacks provide another concern. These attacks can target patrons or staff, potentially compromising personal and financial data. All it takes is one patron to open their email on a library computer, click on a dodgy link and that compromises the entire network.

Sometimes patrons are bad actors and want to cause trouble, but often, they cause problems unintentionally. Many patrons are children, elderly or otherwise just aren’t computer savvy. They may modify system settings, install unapproved software or delete files. 

Network Security

Malware doesn’t have to enter a library’s system from a patron sitting at one of their computers. Public libraries offer Wi-Fi and open Wi-Fi networks that can attract hackers and threat actors. This can make libraries a target. Then there are network limitations, such as bandwidth congestion from many users streaming and downloading simultaneously.

Privacy and Data Protection

Libraries must protect their data and that of their patrons. Public computers might retain sensitive information if the users don’t properly clear them before leaving. Furthermore, libraries must comply with privacy laws and regulations, such as GDPR and CIPA. 

IT Maintenance

Librarians spend a lot of their time troubleshooting and trying to fix system errors. They routinely have to upgrade the system and computers to avoid falling behind in the everlasting cybersecurity arms race. Last, public libraries are not famous for having lavish budgets. They often operate under tight financial restrictions, so updating hardware and software often isn’t an option. Libraries need a cost-effective option to safeguard their workstations and networks and keep everything running smoothly.

Deep Freeze and Libraries

Deep Freeze Cloud by Faronics offers numerous features that can help public libraries by enhancing computer management, security and the user experience. Here’s what Deep Freeze can do:

Improve System Integrity

With Deep Freeze Cloud, you get access to our patented Reboot to Restore technology. This feature can eradicate any changes that occur during a user session — such as accidental misconfigurations or malware installations — upon reboot. This guarantees that each workstation returns to its safe, predetermined state, reducing the need for manual maintenance and minimizing downtime.

Enhance Security

Deep Freeze Cloud provides robust cybersecurity protection. It enables application whitelisting so IT administrators can specify which applications can run, preventing unauthorized or malicious software from executing.

With Deep Freeze, administrators can also impose browser restrictions. This might mean disabling right-click options or preventing users from changing the default homepage, thus reducing the risk of malware infections and unauthorized changes. There’s also kiosk mode which limits user access to specific applications or functionalities, ensuring they use workstations only for their intended purposes.

Centralize Management

Deep Freeze Cloud offers a centralized, web-based console that helps IT staff manage all library computers efficiently. Through this console, administrators can deploy software updates, such as by scheduling automatic Windows updates and patches for many popular products. This keeps systems up-to-date without manual intervention.

Deep Freeze also facilitates monitoring system performance. Library staff can keep track of workstation health and performance metrics in real time. They can also schedule automatic shutdowns, restarts or wake-on-LAN events to conserve energy and reduce operational costs.

Boost Data Retention and User Experience 

While Deep Freeze restores systems to their original state upon reboot, it also offers features such as ThawSpace. These are virtual storage spaces where users can save data that persists across reboots. This retains important user data without compromising system integrity.

By implementing Deep Freeze Cloud, public libraries can maintain secure, reliable and user-friendly computer environments, ultimately enhancing the experience for both patrons and staff. To learn more about how Deep Freeze can help in libraries, or any other setting, please reach out to our experts today.