Dish Network, an American satellite and streaming television provider, recently went offline after likely experiencing a cyberattack. This attack has caused the cutting off of thousands of employees, with service interruptions lasting multiple days. This attack shows the importance of taking steps to protect digital systems from cyberthreats and highlight the real-world consequences of failing to protect ourselves online.
The Attack
On April 29th, 2021, Dish network announced that its systems had been hit by a cyberattack, resulting in service interruptions that impacted both customers and employees. This attack appears to have been caused by a ransomware attack, though Dish has yet to confirm this.
The attack shut down many of Dish’s services, including its customer service lines, online ordering, and even its online payment portal. Additionally, employees had their access to the company’s digital systems temporarily cut off.
Impact on Employees
The attack left Dish’s employee base of 60,000 unable to access their usual virtual workspaces. Without access to their virtual workspaces, many employees found themselves unable to work, with some resorting to paper-based solutions to continue their work.
The work interruptions caused by the attack came at a time when Dish had already seen layoffs and closures due to the coronavirus pandemic. These layoffs and closures represent a significant blow to the company and likely add to the company’s financial losses due to the attack.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself
Dish’s attack serves as a reminder that digital security is an important issue for both individuals and businesses. To protect yourselves online, there are a few steps you can take, including:
• Make sure to use strong passwords, avoid reusing passwords, and use two-factor authentication when possible
• Make sure to keep your software and operating systems up-to-date
• Utilize a reputable security suite to protect against malware, viruses, and other online threats
• Regularly back up important data to minimize the impact of a cyberattack
• Regularly monitor your digital accounts to spot any suspicious activity
Conclusion
The cyberattack on Dish Network is yet another example of the potential risks of going online. It also highlights the importance of taking steps to protect our digital systems from cyberthreats and the real-world consequences of failing to do so. Share this article on social media to remind everyone to take steps to protect themselves online!