Media Prima Berhad’s computer systems have been locked out by cyber attackers who are demanding millions of ringgit in ransom.
The media company, which runs a stable of TV/radio channels, newspapers, advertising and digital media companies was hit by a ransomware attack on Thursday (Nov 8), The Edge Financial Daily reported.
The report, quoting a source, said the attackers are demanding 1,000 bitcoins to release access to the computer systems.
One bitcoin is equivalent to US$6,300, or about RM25,400.
The source reportedly added that Media Prima has decided not to pay the ransom.
The media company is listed on Bursa Malaysia’s main board.
It operates, among others, three national newspapers, namely New Straits Times, Berita Harian and Harian Metro; free-to-air television stations, namely TV3, TV9, ntv7 and 8TV; and four radio stations, namely Fly FM, Hot FM, One FM and Kool FM.
The report did not say whether Media Prima’s data has been breached, or whether the group will suffer financial losses due to the attack.
It quoted one source as saying Media Prima’s office email is affected, and the firm has migrated to G Suite.