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Sinclair's WWMT hit by ransomware

Discussion pertaining to Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Battle Creek, Big Rapids, and Michiana
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dwp49423
Posts: 119
Joined: Tue Dec 07, 2004 10:46 pm
Location: West Michigan

Sinclair's WWMT hit by ransomware

Unread post by dwp49423 »

Happened to see a Facebook post that News 3 Sunday Morning did not air due to what they called "technical difficulties". Just read on a Facebook group that Sinclair's corporate network got hit with a ransomware attack over the weekend. No TelePrompts, video servers or graphics. Some stations worked around with Google Docs, laptops playing from thumb drives and even used a chalkboard for the copyright notice.
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Scripps Community News: Take Away the Anchors and People Will Tune to Another Station
Trophyhead
Posts: 446
Joined: Mon Dec 06, 2004 6:36 am

Re: Sinclair's WWMT hit by ransomware

Unread post by Trophyhead »

Saw something on Twitter this morning about a young weathercaster getting ready to do her segments with a whiteboard and all the elements (Conditions, temp, winds, etc.) written out on there.

Hard luck for the conglomerate that takes so much abuse in the Flint/Tri-Cities regional media forum. Takes me back to when the basement flooded in 77 Monroe Center and I had to do Saturday morning news from Muskegon.
MasterB
Posts: 1600
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2006 2:59 pm
Location: Kalamazoo

Re: Sinclair's WWMT hit by ransomware

Unread post by MasterB »

I saw they didn't have a Noon Newscast on Monday was Spotlight On America they did have the Noon Newscast today as I only watch for the weather. I think there was no Wheel or Jeopardy last night they did say they would air it tonight the anchors said that was a victory and to be happy about I don't think Big Bang was on CW7 tonight when I flipped a couple of minutes before Stargirl came on.
Go Pistons, Let's Go Redwings.
mocom70
Posts: 20
Joined: Mon Dec 27, 2004 7:06 pm
Location: west michigan

Re: Sinclair's WWMT hit by ransomware

Unread post by mocom70 »

I don't know if this is related but Comet 15.3 has had the same frozen scene on for days.
Jason Kragt
Posts: 85
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2004 12:01 pm

Re: Sinclair's WWMT hit by ransomware

Unread post by Jason Kragt »

mocom70 wrote: Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:44 am I don't know if this is related but Comet 15.3 has had the same frozen scene on for days.
I have been seeing that too. Just a frozen frame with a fat diagonal line. Perhaps they haven't noticed it yet.
Jason Kragt
Posts: 85
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2004 12:01 pm

Re: Sinclair's WWMT hit by ransomware

Unread post by Jason Kragt »

Looks like it stopped being frozen for a day or two at most, but now it is back to frozen on a mortgage help commercial. I also noticed 41.4 had a PC update message plastered over the radar image. I wonder if anyone watches their own stations anymore?
EricGRR
Posts: 17
Joined: Fri Apr 02, 2021 9:41 pm

Re: Sinclair's WWMT hit by ransomware

Unread post by EricGRR »

mocom70 wrote: Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:44 am I don't know if this is related but Comet 15.3 has had the same frozen scene on for days.
Would not be surprised if it’s related since Comet TV is owned by Sinclair.
MasterB
Posts: 1600
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2006 2:59 pm
Location: Kalamazoo

Re: Sinclair's WWMT hit by ransomware

Unread post by MasterB »

CW7 finally did get a 10PM Newcast on the air tonight as it has been The National Desk. Comet is back on no more stills I checked on Monday I don't watch that channel.
Go Pistons, Let's Go Redwings.
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