Sinclair hit by ransomware attack

Sinclair Broadcast Group, which operates dozens of TV stations across the U.S., said Monday that

some of its servers and work stations were encrypted with ransomware and that data was stolen from its network.

The company said it started investigating Saturday and on Sunday it found that some of its office

and operational networks were disrupted. The broadcast group did not immediately say how many TV stations were directly affected.

The Hunt Valley, Marylandbased company either owns or operates 21 regional sports network and owns, operates or provides

services to 185 television stations in 86 markets.

In Toledo, Ohio, WNWO appeared to be off the air Monday afternoon. The station posted on

Facebook that "our operations are

currently limited. We will provide further updates as they become available."

Nashville, Tennessee's WZTV put out a notice on its website Monday about "serious technical issues"

at the TV station affecting its ability to stream content.

"We are also currently unable to access our email and your phone calls to the station," it said.

Sinclair said it's taken measures to contain the breach and that its investigation is ongoing. However, it said that the data breach has caused — and may continue to cause — disruption to parts of its

business, including aspects of local advertisements by local broadcast

stations. The company said it is working to restore operations.

Sinclair said it can't determine whether or not the data breach will have a material impact on its business, operations or financial results.