Australian Broadcasting Company taken off air by ransomware attack

A morning broadcast on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) was disrupted earlier this week after falling victim to a ransomware attack.

In the attack, a fake email from the Australia Post told recipients that a “courier” was unable to deliver a package, according to an ABC story on the incident. The email then instructed victims to click a link that would provide details about the package. Once it was accessed, the ransomware was installed.

ABC cited an “IT security issue” as the reason for the half hour disruption.

The Australia Post said the Australian Communications and Media Authority warned it of phishing campaigns and the publication is, “promptly auctioning takedowns of these sites to protect customers.”