MEDIA Prima Bhd’s computer systems have been locked out by hackers demanding a ransom of RM26 million in bitcoin, reported The Edge Financial Daily.

The public-listed company, which owns various media outlets, was hit by a ransomware attack on Thursday. Such attacks employ software that blocks access until the ransom is paid.

The report, quoting a source, said the attackers are demanding 1,000 bitcoins. One bitcoin is equivalent to US$6,300, or about RM25,400.

Media Prima has decided not to pay the ransom, said the report.

Among the organisations under Media Prima are the New Straits Times, Berita Harian and Harian Metro newspapers, television stations TV3, TV9, ntv7 and 8TV, and radio stations 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. – November 13, 2018.