Hackers demand ransom from ZNS

HACKERS are demanding a ransom from the Bahamas Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas after taking control of servers at ZNS.

BCB Chairman Mike Smith confirmed to the Tribune the organisation’s servers were hit sometime before noon.

He did not disclose the amount of the ransom, but noted the hackers were internationally-based.

“Our servers have been hacked,” Mr Smith said, “and we’ve brought in the police and IT advisors and other people to seek to assist us but we have a very serious problem where people are seeking to get a ransom.

Mr Smith said: “All the servers are down, so everything you do with a computer, you cannot do. We have some real veterans here so everything is being done pretty much manually as much as we could.

“We have a lot of people advising us as to how we should move forward,” he added.

ZNS aired a half-hour Northern station newscast at 6.30pm on Monday.

Up to press time, Mr Smith said officials were still trying to determine what could be accessed and how long the national broadcaster would be offline.

Comments

TalRussell says...

In name Joseph, the comrade father Jesus, whatever you do, don't pay the damn $1,000 ransom demand - willfully hand over the gate and front door keys to ZNS - crown red's minister and station management included with no questions asked, nor fears future prosecution. Yes, no? .

Posted 14 January 2019, 6:51 p.m. Suggest removal

birdiestrachan says...

Mike Smith is at ZNS again??

Posted 14 January 2019, 6:53 p.m. Suggest removal

Greentea says...

lol. have to smile at this one Birdie. You should recognize this practice. The PLP take care of their "people" and so do the FNM in this political carousel. Interchangeable foolishness.

Posted 14 January 2019, 9:10 p.m. Suggest removal

hrysippus says...

Perhaps the hackers could take over the gubmint, might improve things or at least cut down the bill we have to pay for cabinet ministers and cronies to travel abroad first class all the way.

Posted 14 January 2019, 7:22 p.m. Suggest removal

DDK says...

Best suggestion I've heard in a long time!

Posted 15 January 2019, 12:02 p.m. Suggest removal

John says...

You gat jokes

Posted 14 January 2019, 9:25 p.m. Suggest removal

ohdrap4 says...

you guys remember the movie ruthless people?

just tell the hackers they can keep ZNS. lol

Posted 14 January 2019, 10:18 p.m. Suggest removal

pingmydling says...

This is a fine opportunity to get rid of a budget draining government institution.
From government mouthpiece ( only one available in my youth) to today's radio & TV.
that nobody watches or listens to. With cable and private stations who wants to have
dealings with amateur media.? SHUT IT DOWN -- SAVE MONEY.

Posted 15 January 2019, 6:53 a.m. Suggest removal

realitycheck242 says...

Strengthen your Firewall protocols, Install latest service packs for operating systems for servers and network equipment . Hire a full time cyber security expert. ....just my five cents with my limited IT background .

Posted 15 January 2019, 7:39 a.m. Suggest removal

Naughtydread says...

Thanks captain obvious.

Posted 15 January 2019, 9:31 a.m. Suggest removal

Sickened says...

I conclude that the hackers are probably in their 60's. Reason: only they would know how to hack into a Commodore 64 and get around COBOL 'firewalls'!

Posted 15 January 2019, 9:44 a.m. Suggest removal

tell_it_like_it_is says...

ROFL. <br/>
Sickened, you remember back in the day, if you had a Commodore 64 u was sayin sumptin! lol

Posted 15 January 2019, 10:29 a.m. Suggest removal

pingmydling says...

You are sickenly correct, sickened.

Posted 15 January 2019, 11:20 a.m. Suggest removal

Well_mudda_take_sic says...

LMAO - especially at that dinosaur Mike Smith being allowed to get back on the gravy train as Chairman of BCB! There's absolutely no hope for The Bahamas with the dimwitted Minnis as PM.

Posted 15 January 2019, 1:57 p.m. Suggest removal

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