Cyberattack Shuts Down Major U.S. Newspapers
On February 3, 2025, Lee Enterprises, a prominent U.S. newspaper conglomerate, experienced a significant cyberattack that disrupted its operations nationwide. The incident led to outages affecting both print and digital platforms, hindering the company’s ability to deliver news to its extensive readership.
Scope of the Attack
Lee Enterprises manages approximately 77 daily newspapers and 350 weekly and specialty publications across 26 states, reaching over 44 million unique digital visitors monthly. Notable publications under its umbrella include The Buffalo News, Omaha World-Herald, Richmond Times-Dispatch, and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The cyberattack forced the company to shut down numerous networks, disrupting the printing and delivery of multiple newspapers. Additionally, many of Lee’s publications displayed maintenance notices on their websites, warning users about potential access issues to subscription accounts and E-editions.
Operational Impact
The attack severely impacted Lee Enterprises’ digital infrastructure, disrupting VPN services and preventing staff from accessing critical files. Reporters and editors faced challenges in building pages and publishing stories, leading to delays and alterations in regular publication schedules. Some newspapers were unable to print certain sections, while others had to adjust their content layouts. Despite these challenges, efforts were made to print and deliver back issues once systems began to recover.
Company Response
In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Lee Enterprises disclosed the cyber incident, stating it resulted in operational disruptions. The company has engaged third-party forensic specialists to assist in restoring services and determining the cause and extent of the breach. Law enforcement agencies have been notified, and an internal investigation is ongoing. A spokesperson for Lee Enterprises emphasized the complexity of such investigations, noting they can be time-consuming and may take several weeks or longer to complete.
Historical Context
This is not the first time Lee Enterprises has been targeted by cybercriminals. In 2020, Iranian hackers reportedly infiltrated the company’s content management system as part of a broader disinformation campaign ahead of the U.S. presidential election. The recurrence of such incidents underscores the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures within media organizations.
Broader Implications
Cyberattacks on media organizations pose significant threats, not only disrupting business operations but also potentially undermining the free flow of information—a cornerstone of democratic societies. The attack on Lee Enterprises highlights vulnerabilities within the media sector and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of investing in advanced cybersecurity protocols to protect journalistic integrity and public trust.
As the investigation continues, stakeholders and readers alike await further updates on the situation and the measures Lee Enterprises will implement to prevent future incidents.
