Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/10/us_newspapers_lee_enterprises_cyberattack/
Source: The Register
Title: US news org still struggling to print papers a week after ‘cybersecurity event’
Feedly Summary: Publications across 25 states either producing smaller issues or very delayed ones
US newspaper publisher Lee Enterprises is one week into tackling a nondescript “cybersecurity event," saying the related investigation may take "weeks or longer" to complete.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: Lee Enterprises is dealing with a significant cybersecurity event that has disrupted its operations across multiple publications. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in cybersecurity for organizations, particularly in maintaining digital services and operational functionality. For security professionals, this serves as a reminder of the need for robust incident response and recovery measures.
Detailed Description:
Lee Enterprises, a media company operating over 70 daily newspapers, recently confirmed it is investigating a cybersecurity event that has caused disruptions in its operations. Here are the major points concerning the situation:
– **Incident Confirmation**: The incident was acknowledged by the CEO Kevin Mowbray, who indicated that the investigation may take “weeks or longer.”
– **Law Enforcement Notification**: Authorities have been informed, indicating the potential seriousness of the cybersecurity event.
– **Operational Disruption**: Many of Lee’s publications experienced significant operational challenges. For instance:
– Virginia’s Daily Progress was unable to produce print or e-edition journalism shortly after the attack.
– There were reports of reduced-size editions across various newspapers, including delays in publication and automation processes being halted.
– **Communication with Readers**: Company representatives, including editors, expressed gratitude for reader patience during this incident and highlighted efforts to maintain news delivery despite challenges.
– **Website and Subscription Issues**: Readers reported difficulties accessing online content, making changes to subscriptions, or ordering new ones.
– **Ongoing Investigation**: Lee Enterprises has not yet reported the event to the Securities and Exchange Commission in detail but has acknowledged the incident in a recent Form 10-Q filing.
– **Financial Health Indication**: Despite the incident, the company reported a rise in digital revenues prior to the acknowledgment of the cyber event in their financial statements.
These points illustrate the operational impact of the attack and underscore the necessity for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity measures and contingency planning. The situation serves as a pertinent reminder for professionals engaged in information, cloud, and infrastructure security about the vulnerabilities that can affect digital service delivery, along with the importance of effective incident management strategies.
– **Key Takeaways for Security Professionals**:
– Emphasize the need for proactive security measures and incident response plans.
– Understand the impact of cybersecurity events on operational continuity and customer engagement.
– Assess and communicate the potential effects of cyber incidents on financial stability and compliance with reporting obligations.