Newsquest Websites Hit by Massive Security Breach
Hundreds of thousands of users have been hit by a nasty virus on Newsquest’s local news sites, we can reveal. The malware hijacks browsers, bombarding visitors with fake “thank you” messages before redirecting them to dubious prize websites.
Browser Hijack Sparks Panic
Since Thursday morning, readers trying to access several Newsquest titles have had their phones and browsers taken over. The virus forces users to shut down their browsers or restart devices just to regain control. The redirects push bogus prize offers, leaving users frustrated and alarmed.
Security Blunder Hits Just Before Bad Readership Numbers
The timing couldn’t be worse. Newsquest was days away from publishing its annual readership stats, which reportedly show up to an 8% drop on some titles. Meanwhile, IT teams are scrambling to find the weak spot behind the breach on Newsquest’s servers.
Internal Sources Blast Security Lapses
Sources say Newsquest, known for splashing out on top-notch firewalls, is now “red-faced” after this embarrassing breach. With around 218 titles affected, the scale of the hack is huge. Readers’ personal data could be at risk, although the company has yet to confirm any breach of sensitive information.
Newsquest Responds but Denies Worst Claims
Julian 1, Editorial Product Manager at Newsquest Digital, told us: “We don’t have hundreds of thousands of affected users; that claim is inaccurate.” He also denied that the site in question had been hijacked or compromised.
Newsquest admits there’s an issue but insists no data breach has occurred. They have not provided details on the cause or scope of the problem.
Stay tuned as we monitor this developing story and wait for Newsquest’s full explanation.
