KQED/San Francisco Hit By Ransomware Attack

Ransomware

KQED, INC. News-Talk KQED-F and PBS affiliate KQED-TV/SAN FRANCISCO was hit by an apparent ransomware attack late last week, taking the station's online stream down and blocking access to station email accounts.

The SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE reports that the attack started late THURSDAY (6/15) with the ransomware demanding payment to unlock the files, with streaming restored by FRIDAY morning; the CHRONICLE reports that station sources said handwritten signs were posted to tell staffers not to use their computers or email. 

The report also indicates that an FBI investigation has been launched, although the Bureau did not confirm the report.  Broadcast operations were unaffected other than shows having to use temporary email addresses to communicate with listeners.

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