Sinclair TV Stations Targeted in Weekend Ransomware Attack

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., which owns or operates 186 television stations across 87 U.S. markets, has been hit with a ransomware attack that has disrupted operations – including advertisements and certain newscasts and programming. In an announcement, the company confirms that it detected a security incident on Oct. 16, and by the next day determined that certain servers and workstations in its environment were encrypted with ransomware. Certain office and operational networks were disrupted by the attack, it says. The company also confirms that data was siphoned from its network – though it is working to determine the type and severity of the loss. Sinclair Broadcast Group also disclosed the incident in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Form 8-K, used to keep shareholders apprised of qualifying major events.