Ransomware Attacks, Explained
Ransomware is an ever-evolving form of malware that scrambles a victim organization’s data with encryption, then criminals demand a ransom in exchange for software decryption keys.
Sinclair Broadcast Group said Monday it suffered a data breach and was still working to determine what information contained the data.
The company said it began investigating the potential security incident on Saturday and on Sunday it identified some servers and workstations encrypted with ransomware. He also found that some office and operational networks were disrupted. Data was also extracted from the company’s network.
The Hunt Valley, Maryland-based company owns and/or operates 21 regional sports networks and owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets.
Nashville, Tennessee’s WZTV posted a notice on its website Monday about “serious technical issues” at the television station affecting its ability to broadcast content.
“We are also currently unable to access our emails and your phone calls at the station,” he said.
HUNT VALLEY, MD – APRIL 03: The Sinclair Broadcast Group Headquarters is shown on April 3, 2018 in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The company, the largest owner of local television stations in the United States, recently drew attention for repeating
Sinclair said he took steps to contain the incident and his forensic investigation is ongoing. However, the company said the data breach has caused — and may continue to cause — disruption to parts of its business, including certain aspects of local advertisements by local broadcast stations on behalf of its customers. The company said it was working diligently to restore operations quickly and safely.
Sinclair said it cannot currently determine whether or not the data breach would have a material impact on its business, operations or financial results.
RELATED: Colonial pipeline attack: White House launches ‘whole of government’ response
Ransomware attacks, in which cybercriminals encrypt an organization’s data and then demand payment to decrypt it, are a growing scourge in the United States. The Biden administration is committed to disrupting and prosecuting criminal networks like the one that attacked a major US pipeline company in May. The Attack on the Colonial Pipelinewhich led to gas shortages along the East Coast, has been traced to a Russian-based gang of cybercriminals.
How Biden responds to ransomware attacks
President Biden signed an executive order in May 2021 to bolster cybersecurity defenses.
Ransomware payments reached more than $400 million worldwide in 2020 and surpassed $81 million in the first quarter of 2021, according to the US government.
Several media outlets have been hit by ransomware attacks in recent years. Cox Media Group, a major media conglomerate, recently said it was the target of a ransomware attack earlier this year. And a ransomware attack briefly interrupted Weather Channel in 2019.
Sinclair shares were down around 1.4% in early trading.
