Topics
Latest
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:IndustryView / Getty Images
Apps
Biotech & Health
Climate
Image Credits:IndustryView / Getty Images
Cloud Computing
commercialism
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
Fundraising
contraption
Gaming
Government & Policy
Hardware
layoff
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
concealment
Robotics
security department
Social
Space
Startups
TikTok
transferral
Venture
More from TechCrunch
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Podcasts
video
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
As disruption from a suspectedransomwareattack on newsprint publishing giant Lee Enterprises enters its 2nd calendar month , the cyberattack is also touch payments to free-lance and contractors who play for the company , TechCrunch has see .
The cyberattack on Lee Enterpriseson February 3sparked encompassing - scale outages and ongoing perturbation at scores of newspapers across the United States , let in delays to print editions . Leeconfirmed on February 18that the hacker “ encrypted vital applications ” pretend the company ’s operation , including its “ distribution of products , billing , collections , and vender payments . ”
One contractor for a Lee - owned property , who asked not to be name for concern of revenge , evidence TechCrunch that as an out-of-door vendor , they still have not been pay for their workplace a month after the cyberattack .
The somebody recite TechCrunch that Lee Enterprises said it was working on the issue , but that the person has n’t heard anything from the company since mid - February . The mortal , who is owe thousands of dollar , said that the situation is causing anxiousness and uncertainty .
“ Lee Enterprises and its subsidiary company work with a diverse net of vendors to bring home the bacon services for the company ’s operations , ” the person say . “ This vendor web includes both businesses and individual freelance worker who are hired to do a compass of services let in editorial content production , ” they added .
The contractor said they have no estimated timeline for when they can expect the vendor payment system of rules to be scat again .
Salaried staff are unaffected , TechCrunch understands , although one system that Lee Enterprises employee practice to file reimbursement for their expense is still inaccessible , a mortal familiar with the matter told TechCrunch .
When asked about payments to vendors , freelancers , and contractors , Lee interpreter Tracy Rouch could not confirm and would not notice beyond thecompany ’s regulatory filingon February 18 .
Accordingto that filing , Lee say the cyberattack was “ fairly probable to have a material impact on the Company ’s fiscal condition or results of surgical process . ”
Qilin , a prolific ransomware gangknown for disruptive cyberattacks , has since shoot cite for the cyberattack at Lee Enterprises in a post on its dark web news leak site , which it use to extort victim into paying a ransom .
Rouch said Lee Enterprises is “ aware of the claim and are currently investigating them . ”
Carly Page contributed reporting .
Do you know more about the cyberattack at Lee Enterprises ? Contact Zack Whittaker securely on Signal and WhatsApp at +1 646 - 755 - 8849 . you could also divvy up documents securely with TechCrunch viaSecureDrop .