Ampersand TV advertising provider impacted by ransomware

Ampersand, a major television advertising sales and technology company, jointly owned by Comcast Corporation, Charter Communications, and Cox Communications  fell victim to a ransomware attack, severely impacting its operations.

This cyberattack was attributed to the Black Basta ransomware gang. While Ampersand confirmed the ransomware incident, the company did not disclose the precise timing of the attack or whether a ransom payment was under consideration. Ampersand acknowledged the disruption caused by the incident and stated that they had managed to restore most of their regular business operations.

They also mentioned their collaboration with third-party advisors and law enforcement to address the situation, emphasizing their commitment to conducting a thorough analysis of the incident and expressing regret for any concerns or inconveniences caused.

The extent of data stolen from Ampersand by the Black Basta gang remains undisclosed, as the group has not released any samples of the information. Ampersand plays a crucial role in collecting extensive data on TV viewership across more than 165 networks, assisting companies in tailoring their advertisements to specific target audiences.