Updated: Nine confirms cyber attack on systems, calls it largest on a media company in Australia’s history
Updated: 9News has described the attack as “the largest cyber attack on a media company in Australia’s history”.
Mumbrella has been told by a Nine spokesperson that incoming CEO Mike Sneesby is involved in finding a solution. The company is working with Australian Cyber Security Centre to find a solution.
While the Today Show is currently being broadcast this morning, some reporters have had to relocate to other studios, including Alex Cullen, who appeared in a video on the Today Show Twitter account from GTV in Melbourne.
Not even sabotage by international hackers can keep us from delivering the latest news, sport and weather to you this morning on Channel 9. Tune into Today, NOW. #9Today @alextcullen pic.twitter.com/OhosEuAybk
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) March 28, 2021
Nine has confirmed the disruption of its broadcast on Sunday morning, which saw it unable to get Weekend Today on air, was due to a cyber attack on its systems.
Despite the issues, Nine still won Sunday night in the ratings.
In a statement to staff, director of people and culture at Nine, Vanessa Morley, said, “ We wish to inform you there has been a cyber-attack on our systems which has disrupted live broadcasts out of Nine Sydney (1 Denison).
“As a result, we were unable to get Weekend Today to air this morning however, have put several contingencies in place to ensure the NRL and our 6pm bulletins will proceed.
“Our IT teams are working around the clock to fully restore our systems which have primarily affected our Broadcast and Corporate business units. Publishing and Radio systems continue to be operational.”
As a result of the cyber-attack and the urgency to ensure systems are functioning properly, Nine has requested that all staff in all markets work from home until further notice. The broadcaster expects there to still be disruptions for staff who have to work from the office.
The cyber-attack comes after a busy few weeks for Nine. This month it confirmed Mike Sneesby would replace Hugh Marks as CEO while it also confirmed on Thursday that WIN Corporation CEO, Andrew Lancaster, would join the Nine Entertainment Co board as a non-executive director on 1 April.
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Damian is the head of content at Mumbrella, overseeing all content and editorial within the business. He has worked as a journalist and communications consultant across a number of industries for over 15 years. He has been with Mumbrella for more than three years, initially running event content. Damian was previously print editor of AdNews.
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