Detroit’s leading non-profit television station PBS has been the victim of a hacking attack. The Russian-language Qilin ransomware group hacked the company’s systems and allegedly stole 345 gigabytes of confidential data.
According to documents filed with the Maine Attorney General’s Office, the information leak was discovered on September 1, 2024. The investigation showed that the hackers introduced malware into the system, blocking access to certain files and stealing personal information of 1,694 people, including names, addresses and social security numbers. According to Detroit PBS, the investigation and elimination of the consequences of the attack began immediately after its discovery. The victims were offered free credit monitoring. In addition, the company reported the incident to federal law enforcement agencies, and additional security measures were taken. Operating under the ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model, the Qilin hackers claim to have accessed 176,487 files containing financial documents, contracts, and other confidential materials. According to a statement on the darknet, the company refused to pay the ransom, and the stolen files were made public.
The Qilin group, also known as Agenda, has ties to the Russian cybercrime community. They have repeatedly attacked healthcare organizations in London and have also used the Citrix Bleed exploit to gain access to corporate networks. The group is notable for not targeting Russian companies or organizations in the CIS. Detroit PBS is the latest victim in a growing wave of cyberattacks that have targeted both government and commercial organizations in recent years.
This incident highlights the need for increased cybersecurity, especially for news organizations and government agencies, which often lack the resources to defend against sophisticated attacks. Detroit Public Broadcasting continues to improve its security systems, but this incident is a reminder that no organization is immune to threats.
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