Dish Network Ransomware Attack Causes Multi-Day Outage and Data Theft

Dish Network has confirmed that it suffered a ransomware attack that caused a multi-day network and service outage affecting its websites, networks, and call center phone numbers. The outage started on Friday, February 23, and Dish Network initially blamed it on VPN issues.

However, an internal memo revealed that the outage was caused by a known threat actor. Dish Network has since confirmed that the incident was a cyber-security incident and that personal information was extracted from its IT systems.

Dish Network Ransomware Attack

The outage affected Dish.com, the Dish Anywhere app, Boost Mobile, and other websites and networks owned and operated by Dish Network. Customers also reported that they were unable to reach the company’s call center phone numbers, adding to their frustration.

Dish Network’s website is still affected by the outage and is only partially functional.

The company has stated that it is working to resolve the system issue and restore full functionality. However, it has not given any timeline for when this is expected to happen.

Impact on customers and employees

Dish Network has not confirmed whether the personal information that was extracted belonged to its customers, employees, or both. This has left both groups in a state of uncertainty and concern.

Dish Network’s employees have also stated that they have been kept in the dark about the incident, with the company sharing little information about what is happening.

Dish Network has promised to notify customers and employees if their personal information was compromised. However, the lack of communication has caused anxiety among both groups.

Suspected ransomware gang behind the attack

Dish Network has not named the ransomware gang behind the attack. However, sources have told BleepingComputer that the Black Basta ransomware operation is behind the incident. According to multiple sources, the attackers compromised the company’s Windows domain controllers and then encrypted VMware ESXi servers and backups.

BleepingComputer has not been able to independently confirm this information, and no ransomware gang has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Dish Network’s response to the incident

Dish Network has stated that it has hired the services of cybersecurity experts and outside advisors and notified the relevant law enforcement authorities about the attack. However, it has not shared any further details about the incident, leaving customers and employees in the dark.

The Dish Network ransomware attack has caused widespread network and service outages affecting the company’s websites, networks, and call center phone numbers. The company has confirmed that it suffered a cyber-security incident and that personal information was extracted from its IT systems. However, it has not provided any further details about the incident or the impact on its customers and employees.

Dish Network’s response to the incident has been slow, causing anxiety among its customers and employees. The company must take swift action to restore its systems and improve its communication with those affected by the incident.

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