The ransomware assault on Sinclair's almost 200 television stations

 

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The ransomware assault on Sinclair's almost 200 television stations

Sinclair is the owner of more than 200 television stations in the United States.

Ransomware infected Sinclair Broadcast Group, which controls 185 local TV stations throughout the nation, during the weekend, according to reports.

Despite the company's best efforts, hackers managed to encrypt and steal data from the company's servers and PCs, disrupting networks in the process.

Local radio and television stations were unable to transmit news and run advertisements as a result of the assault. In a Monday news statement reporting the issue, the corporation did not go into depth, but local stations have commented on social media about the technical problems.

On Sunday, several people said they couldn't watch NFL games because of the blackout.

Hackers employ ransomware, a kind of cryptographic software, to encrypt a computer system and keep the data it contains hostage until the ransom is paid. When the business refuses to pay the ransom, the hackers threaten to release the encrypted data.

Sinclair hasn't commented on whether or whether they were held to ransom by hackers, and inquiries for comment were not immediately returned. According to the company's statement on Monday, the investigation into the event was still in its early stages.

In order to prevent hackers from attacking additional businesses and agencies, the FBI warns victims against paying ransoms. Ransomware victims make up roughly a third of those who opt to pay the ransom demanded, according to a study conducted by cybersecurity firm Sophos in early 2018.