A ransomware attack on newspaper publishing giant Lee Enterprises has entered its second month, causing widespread disruption to the company's operations, including delays to print editions and, more recently, affecting payments to freelancers and contractors. The cyberattack, which occurred on February 3, has sparked anxiety and uncertainty among those who work with the company, as they struggle to receive payment for their services.

According to a contractor who works with a Lee-owned property, they have not received payment for their work in over a month, despite being owed thousands of dollars. The contractor, who wished to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation, stated that Lee Enterprises had acknowledged the issue but had not provided any updates since mid-February. This lack of communication has led to increased anxiety and uncertainty about when the vendor payment system will be restored.

The contractor highlighted that Lee Enterprises relies on a diverse network of vendors, including both businesses and individual freelance workers, to provide services for the company's operations. This network includes editorial content production, among other services. The disruption to the vendor payment system has significant implications for these individuals and businesses, who rely on timely payment for their work.

While salaried staff have been unaffected by the cyberattack, one system used by Lee Enterprises employees to file reimbursements for expenses remains inaccessible. This has added to the overall disruption caused by the attack, which has already had a significant impact on the company's operations.

Lee Enterprises has acknowledged the cyberattack, stating that the hackers "encrypted critical applications" affecting the company's operations, including the distribution of products, billing, collections, and vendor payments. However, when asked about payments to vendors, freelancers, and contractors, the company's spokesperson, Tracy Rouch, could not confirm and would not comment beyond the company's regulatory filing on February 18.

In the filing, Lee Enterprises stated that the cyberattack was "reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations." This admission has raised concerns about the long-term implications of the attack on the company's financial stability.

Qilin, a prolific ransomware gang known for its disruptive cyberattacks, has taken credit for the attack on Lee Enterprises, posting about it on its dark web leak site. The company is currently investigating these claims, according to Rouch.

The ongoing disruption caused by the cyberattack has significant implications for the newspaper industry as a whole, highlighting the vulnerability of media companies to cyber threats. As the attack enters its second month, it remains to be seen how Lee Enterprises will recover and what measures it will take to prevent similar attacks in the future.

In the meantime, freelancers and contractors who work with Lee Enterprises are left to wait anxiously for payment, as the company struggles to restore its vendor payment system. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the need for companies to prioritize the security of their operations and those who work with them.