Newfoundland Broadcasting Company hit by ransomware attack

The Newfoundland Broadcasting Company Limited (NBCL), the parent company of NTV and radio station OZFM, reported on Thursday that it was the target of a significant cyberattack resulting in a data breach. Despite the breach, the company’s on-air operations at NTV and OZFM remain unaffected.

In a statement, the Newfoundland Broadcasting Company confirmed that attackers accessed parts of its systems and are now threatening to publish company data online. The Play ransomware group has claimed responsibility for the cyberattack. According to Play’s dark website, the stolen data includes budget and payroll information and client documents from NTV.

Play ransomware group is known for encrypting victims’ data, rendering it inaccessible, and demanding payment to release and delete the stolen information.

NBCL’s Chief Operating Officer, Lindsey Andrews, stated that upon discovering the breach, the company immediately took steps to secure and restore its systems, launched an investigation with outside forensic experts, and notified law enforcement. Andrews emphasized the company’s commitment to understanding how the breach occurred and what information was exposed with the assistance of cybersecurity experts.

Brett Callow, a cybersecurity analyst based in British Columbia, advised that the company should treat Play’s threats seriously but recommended against paying the ransom unless no other options are available to restore the compromised data. NBCL is working diligently to mitigate potential impacts on employees and stakeholders. Current employees have been notified of the incident and provided with appropriate support.

The Newfoundland Broadcasting Company has not yet disclosed whether it plans to comply with the ransom demands or how it intends to mitigate the breach’s impact.