TV station operator Sinclair hit by ransomware attack

[Terrell Byrd <terrell.byrd () riskbasedsecurity com>]

https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/tv-station-operator-sinclair-hit-by-ransomware-attack/article_7c85514a-8d07-532f-8518-07107e0e6077.html

TV station operator Sinclair Broadcast Group said on Monday it had found
some of its servers and workstations had been encrypted with ransomware,
disrupting office networks.

Sinclair said it was investigating what information the ransomware affected
and had notified law enforcement and other governmental agencies.

The Hunt Valley, Maryland-based company owns and/or operates 21 regional
sports network and owns, operates and/or provides services to 185
television stations in 86 markets. Among its broadcast properties is KDNL
(Channel 30) in St. Louis.

Ransom software works by encrypting victims’ data and can include locking
down a company’s network or stealing data. Typically hackers will offer the
victim a key in return for cryptocurrency payments that can run into
hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

With ransomware attacks on companies becoming more frequent, President Joe
Biden has made cybersecurity a top priority and is coordinating with other
countries to combat the threat.

Colonial Pipeline suffered a crippling cyberattack earlier this year that
disrupted fuel supplies for almost a week, leaving thousands of gas
stations in the U.S. Southeast without fuel.

Sinclair said the ransomware attack may disrupt advertisements by its local
broadcast stations and that the company cannot currently determine whether
it will have a material impact on its business or financial results.

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