Archive · 30 Sep 2025
BBC Reporter Targeted by Ransomware Gang in Hacking Attempt
A reporter who covers cyber threats for the BBC was contacted by a criminal group.
They offered her a large sum of money if she would help them hack into the BBC's computer systems.
The criminals wanted to steal data and hold it for ransom, which means they'd demand money to give the data back.
The reporter, after consulting with her bosses, pretended to be interested to learn more.
The criminals offered her a large percentage of the ransom money.
She was even sent money upfront to show they were serious.
After she did not respond, they tried to get her to log in to the BBC by sending her notifications.
Luckily, she told the BBC's security team.
The reporter's accounts were protected, showing that even big, trusted organizations are at risk from cybercriminals.
A BBC reporter was approached by a ransomware gang with a hacking offer.
The hackers offered the reporter a share of potential ransom payments.
Communication occurred via the encrypted app Signal.
The group claimed affiliation with the Medusa ransomware group.
The incident involved multi-factor authentication (MFA) bombing attempts.
- Who
- A BBC cyber correspondent and a ransomware gang.
- What
- A ransomware gang offered a BBC reporter money to hack the BBC's systems.
- When
- July (when contact was initiated); deadline of Monday set.
- Where
- Via the encrypted app Signal.
- Why
- To gain access to BBC systems for financial gain through ransomware attacks.
- Target
- BBC cyber correspondent Joe Tidy
- Offer
- Access to BBC systems for a share of ransom payments
- Group Involved
- Medusa ransomware group
- Communication Method
- Encrypted app Signal
- Payment Promise
- Up to 25% of ransom, plus initial $55,000 (0.5 bitcoin)
- Incident
- MFA bombing