The Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) is one of the best-known daily newspapers in Switzerland and has a long tradition. At the end of March, however, the newspaper's IT infrastructure fell victim to a cyber attack. Since then, the NZZ has had to reduce its production as central systems had to be temporarily shut down. The disruptions are apparently still ongoing and the print Saturday edition and the e-paper are to be published on a reduced scale.

Ransomware attack on the NZZ

The NZZ has since confirmed that the attack was a ransomware attack. In this special type of cyber attack, IT systems and data are encrypted in order to blackmail companies. As the NZZ reports, the newspaper's IT experts, together with external specialists, are continuing to work at full speed to take measures to remedy the attack.

No ransom for the blackmailers

According to Swiss cyber security expert Marcel Ruef, it is likely that the NZZ is not prepared to meet a ransom demand. This could explain why the newspaper is still struggling with the consequences of the attack two weeks later.

A cyberattack on a newspaper is not only a problem for the affected company itself, but can also have an impact on freedom of expression and democracy. However, the NZZ has emphasized that it will do everything in its power to resume production and continue to provide its readers with high-quality content.

Conclusion

The cyberattack on the Neue Zürcher Zeitung shows once again how important it is for companies and institutions to protect themselves against such attacks. However, the NZZ has shown that it is prepared for such situations and is doing everything it can to limit the damage. NZZ readers therefore need not worry about the quality of the newspaper in the future.