The infamous Play ransomware group has claimed that it infiltrated the internal network of US-based broadband provider OzarksGo and gave the company until Oct. 19 to pay a ransom to prevent its data from being leaked to the public.
In a notice on its website, Fayetteville, Arizona-based broadband and cable provider OzarksGo said that it was a victim of a data security incident that forced it to take several systems offline. This resulted in service disruptions for its users since October 7.
OzarksGo offers high-speed internet, premium television and telephone service in Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma, including cities like Fayetteville, Springdale, Prairie Grove, Stilwell, and Westville. The company says its goal is to provide premium services in areas previously ignored or underserved by traditional for-profit telecommunications companies.
“Due to the nature of the cyber incident which targeted our linear TV servers, we regret to inform you that, effective immediately, OzarksGo will no longer be providing linear TV services,” the company said. “This unfortunate event has made it infeasible for us to continue delivering the linear TV services you relied upon.”
The internet and cable service provider has advised all its customers to migrate to the OzarksGo TV streaming solution where they can watch their favourite programmes.
“There are numerous digital entertainment platforms available for streaming, which may also provide alternative viewing options. If you would like a more traditional viewing experience, you can rent set-top boxes that we can install in your home at no additional cost,” OzarksGo added.
The company has assured its customers that it will share more information about the cyber attack as and when available. It has also offered one month of complimentary streaming and internet service to all its customers.
On October 15, the Play ransomware group claimed responsibility for the cyber attack on OzarksGo and listed it as a victim on its data leak site. The group has given a deadline of October 19 for the company to pay a ransom to prevent its data from being leaked to the public.
The criminal group has not shared so far how much it has demanded from OzarksGo as ransom. The telecom company is also yet to disclose if it has received a demand from the hacker group or whether it has decided to pay the money.
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