Lee Enterprises Data Breach Exposes Personal Data of Nearly 40,000
Newspaper publishing giant Lee Enterprises has confirmed a data breach impacting approximately 40,000 individuals, primarily current and former employees. The breach stems from the February ransomware attack that disrupted operations at dozens of U.S. media outlets.
The company disclosed the breach in a letter filed with Maine's attorney general. The stolen data includes sensitive information such as Social Security numbers (SSNs).
Ransomware Attack Disrupted Operations for Weeks
Lee Enterprises, one of the largest newspaper publishers in the U.S., provides publishing technology and web services to over 70 publications. The February ransomware attack significantly impacted operations, paralyzing newspaper printing and disrupting services for weeks. The attack also affected payments to freelancers and contractors.
The ransomware group Qilin, known for destructive cyberattacks, claimed responsibility for the breach.
Lee Enterprises did not respond to a request for comment.
