Lee Enterprises Company Cyber Security Posture
lee.netLee Enterprises is a major subscription and advertising platform and a leading provider of local news and information, with daily newspapers, rapidly growing digital products and nearly 350 weekly and specialty publications serving 72 markets in 25 states. Lee's markets include St. Louis, MO; Buffalo, NY; Omaha, NE; Richmond, VA; Lincoln, NE; Madison, WI; Davenport, IA; and Tucson, AZ. Lee Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol LEE. For more information about Lee, please visit www.lee.net.
Lee Enterprises Company Details
lee-enterprises
1606 employees
14309.0
511
Newspaper Publishing
lee.net
Scan still pending
LEE_2809322
In-progress
Lee Enterprises Risk Score (AI oriented)Between 900 and 1000
This score is AI-generated and less favored by cyber insurers, who prefer the TPRM score.
Lee Enterprises Global Score.png)
Lee Enterprises Company Scoring based on AI Models
| Model Name | Date | Description | Current Score Difference | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVERAGE-Industry | 03-12-2025 | This score represents the average cybersecurity rating of companies already scanned within the same industry. It provides a benchmark to compare an individual company's security posture against its industry peers. | N/A | Between 900 and 1000 |
Lee Enterprises Company Cyber Security News & History
| Entity | Type | Severity | Impact | Seen | Url ID | Details | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Enterprises | Breach | 60 | 3 | 2/2025 | LEE505071325 | Link | |
Rankiteo Explanation : Attack with significant impact with internal employee data leaksDescription: Lee Enterprises reported a data security incident on June 3, 2025, involving unauthorized access to personal information of certain employees. The incident was discovered on or about February 3, 2025, with potential unauthorized access occurring on February 1, 2025. The specific number of individuals affected and the types of information compromised are unknown. The incident highlights the potential risks of employee data breaches and the importance of robust security measures to protect sensitive information. | |||||||
| Lee Enterprises | Ransomware | 100 | 5 | 2/2025 | LEE243030225 | Link | |
Rankiteo Explanation : Attack threatening the organization’s existenceDescription: Lee Enterprises experienced a disruptive cyberattack on February 3, 2025, reported to the SEC. Critical applications were encrypted, and data exfiltration was confirmed. The Qilin ransomware gang claimed responsibility, threatening to release 350GB of sensitive data, including ID scans and financial records, if a ransom is not paid. This situation indicates a significant impact with potential for severe operational disruptions, financial losses, and damage to the company's reputation, alongside the breach of confidential and personal information. | |||||||
| Lee Enterprises, Inc. | Ransomware | 100 | 5 | 3/2025 | LEE000030425 | Link | |
Rankiteo Explanation : Attack threatening the organization’s existenceDescription: The Qilin ransomware group targeted Lee Enterprises, causing a substantial data breach. The attackers exfiltrated 350GB, including financial records, journalist payments, and tactics, leading to publication disruptions and subscriber access issues across Lee Enterprises' 79 newspapers. The attack compromised critical applications and encrypted data, severely affecting the company's operations and potentially its reputation. Forensic analysis is underway to assess the extent of sensitive or personally identifiable information compromised. The threat of data leakage looms with a set date for public disclosure. | |||||||
| Lee Enterprises | Ransomware | 100 | 4 | 3/2025 | LEE603032425 | Link | |
Rankiteo Explanation : Attack with significant impact with customers data leaksDescription: Lee Enterprises, a prominent U.S. local newspaper publisher, became the target of a cyberattack that compromised their operations. The incident, attributed to the Qilin ransomware operation, involved the use of bogus online file converter sites disseminating malware and ransomware. This method enabled unauthorized access to the company's network, leading to potential theft of sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, user credentials, and financial account details. The FBI's Denver office has highlighted the global reach of this malicious scheme and has emphasized the importance of cybersecurity awareness to prevent such breaches. | |||||||
Lee Enterprises Company Subsidiaries
Lee Enterprises is a major subscription and advertising platform and a leading provider of local news and information, with daily newspapers, rapidly growing digital products and nearly 350 weekly and specialty publications serving 72 markets in 25 states. Lee's markets include St. Louis, MO; Buffalo, NY; Omaha, NE; Richmond, VA; Lincoln, NE; Madison, WI; Davenport, IA; and Tucson, AZ. Lee Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol LEE. For more information about Lee, please visit www.lee.net.
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Lee Enterprises Cyber Security News
Lee Enterprises spent $2M for ransomware recovery
The newspaper chain said the attack will have lingering impacts on its balance sheet, and its lender waived certain payments.
Lee Enterprises says cybersecurity incident cost millions
Newspaper publisher Lee Enterprises has recovered from a cybersecurity incident that began in February and cost the company millions of dollars, ...
Ransomware Group Takes Credit for Lee Enterprises Attack
The Qilin ransomware gang claims to have stolen 350 Gb of files from Lee Enterprises in the attack that caused newspaper disruptions.
Cyberattack Disrupts Publication of Lee Newspapers Across the U.S.
The media company Lee Enterprises said a “cybersecurity event” had created havoc at dozens of its newspapers, prompting some to publish shorter editions or not ...
Lee Enterprises confirms ransomware attack disrupting operations for over two weeks
None
Lee Enterprises operations affected by ‘cybersecurity event’
Lee Enterprises operations were affected by a 'cybersecurity event' last week. Lee Enterprises is the parent company of Quad City Times and Dispatch-Argus.
Lee Enterprises faces 'cybersecurity' attack affecting newspapers
The parent company of a print and digital news conglomerate has revealed that a “cybersecurity” event is the cause of paused newspaper and ...
Lee Enterprises Data Breach Affects 39,779 Individuals
Lee Enterprises discovered a major cybersecurity incident that exposed the personal information of 39,779 individuals across the United States, ...
The Eagle online access disrupted by ‘cybersecurity event’
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - A cybersecurity incident disrupted Lee Enterprises' newspaper operations last week, affecting publications like The Eagle ...
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Frequently Asked Questions
Explore insights on cybersecurity incidents, risk posture, and Rankiteo's assessments.
Lee Enterprises CyberSecurity History Information
How many cyber incidents has Lee Enterprises faced?
Total Incidents: According to Rankiteo, Lee Enterprises has faced 4 incidents in the past.
What types of cybersecurity incidents have occurred at Lee Enterprises?
Incident Types: The types of cybersecurity incidents that have occurred incidents Breach and Ransomware.
How does Lee Enterprises detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents?
Detection and Response: The company detects and responds to cybersecurity incidents through law enforcement notified with FBI's Denver office.
Incident Details
Can you provide details on each incident?
Incident : Data Breach
Title: Lee Enterprises Data Security Incident
Description: Lee Enterprises reported a data security incident on June 3, 2025, involving unauthorized access to personal information of certain employees. The incident was discovered on or about February 3, 2025, with potential unauthorized access occurring on February 1, 2025. The specific number of individuals affected and the types of information compromised are unknown.
Date Detected: February 3, 2025
Date Publicly Disclosed: June 3, 2025
Type: Data Breach
Attack Vector: Unauthorized Access
Incident : Ransomware
Title: Lee Enterprises Cyberattack
Description: Lee Enterprises, a prominent U.S. local newspaper publisher, became the target of a cyberattack that compromised their operations. The incident, attributed to the Qilin ransomware operation, involved the use of bogus online file converter sites disseminating malware and ransomware. This method enabled unauthorized access to the company's network, leading to potential theft of sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, user credentials, and financial account details. The FBI's Denver office has highlighted the global reach of this malicious scheme and has emphasized the importance of cybersecurity awareness to prevent such breaches.
Type: Ransomware
Attack Vector: Bogus online file converter sites disseminating malware and ransomware
Threat Actor: Qilin ransomware operation
Motivation: Data theft, Ransom
Incident : Ransomware
Title: Qilin Ransomware Attack on Lee Enterprises
Description: The Qilin ransomware group targeted Lee Enterprises, causing a substantial data breach. The attackers exfiltrated 350GB, including financial records, journalist payments, and tactics, leading to publication disruptions and subscriber access issues across Lee Enterprises' 79 newspapers. The attack compromised critical applications and encrypted data, severely affecting the company's operations and potentially its reputation. Forensic analysis is underway to assess the extent of sensitive or personally identifiable information compromised. The threat of data leakage looms with a set date for public disclosure.
Type: Ransomware
Threat Actor: Qilin ransomware group
Incident : Ransomware Attack
Title: Lee Enterprises Ransomware Attack
Description: Lee Enterprises experienced a disruptive cyberattack on February 3, 2025, reported to the SEC. Critical applications were encrypted, and data exfiltration was confirmed. The Qilin ransomware gang claimed responsibility, threatening to release 350GB of sensitive data, including ID scans and financial records, if a ransom is not paid. This situation indicates a significant impact with potential for severe operational disruptions, financial losses, and damage to the company's reputation, alongside the breach of confidential and personal information.
Date Detected: 2025-02-03
Type: Ransomware Attack
Threat Actor: Qilin Ransomware Gang
Motivation: Financial Gain
What are the most common types of attacks the company has faced?
Common Attack Types: The most common types of attacks the company has faced is Ransomware.
How does the company identify the attack vectors used in incidents?
Identification of Attack Vectors: The company identifies the attack vectors used in incidents through Bogus online file converter sites.
Impact of the Incidents
What was the impact of each incident?
Incident : Data Breach LEE505071325
Data Compromised: Personal Information
Incident : Ransomware LEE603032425
Data Compromised: Social Security numbers, User credentials, Financial account details
Incident : Ransomware LEE000030425
Data Compromised: financial records, journalist payments, tactics, personally identifiable information
Systems Affected: critical applications
Operational Impact: publication disruptions, subscriber access issues
Brand Reputation Impact: potentially its reputation
Incident : Ransomware Attack LEE243030225
Data Compromised: ID scans, financial records
Systems Affected: Critical applications
Operational Impact: Severe operational disruptions
Brand Reputation Impact: Significant damage to the company's reputation
Identity Theft Risk: High
Payment Information Risk: High
What types of data are most commonly compromised in incidents?
Commonly Compromised Data Types: The types of data most commonly compromised in incidents are Personal Information, Social Security numbers, User credentials, Financial account details, financial records, journalist payments, tactics, personally identifiable information, ID scans and financial records.
Which entities were affected by each incident?
Incident : Ransomware LEE603032425
Entity Type: Newspaper publisher
Industry: Media
Location: United States
Incident : Ransomware Attack LEE243030225
Entity Type: Company
Response to the Incidents
What measures were taken in response to each incident?
Incident : Ransomware LEE603032425
Law Enforcement Notified: FBI's Denver office
Data Breach Information
What type of data was compromised in each breach?
Incident : Data Breach LEE505071325
Type of Data Compromised: Personal Information
Incident : Ransomware LEE603032425
Type of Data Compromised: Social Security numbers, User credentials, Financial account details
Sensitivity of Data: High
Personally Identifiable Information: Yes
Incident : Ransomware LEE000030425
Type of Data Compromised: financial records, journalist payments, tactics, personally identifiable information
Data Exfiltration: 350GB
Data Encryption: encrypted data
Incident : Ransomware Attack LEE243030225
Type of Data Compromised: ID scans, financial records
Sensitivity of Data: High
Data Exfiltration: Confirmed
Personally Identifiable Information: ID scans
Ransomware Information
Was ransomware involved in any of the incidents?
Incident : Ransomware LEE603032425
Ransomware Strain: Qilin
Incident : Ransomware LEE000030425
Ransomware Strain: Qilin
Data Encryption: encrypted data
Data Exfiltration: 350GB
Incident : Ransomware Attack LEE243030225
Ransomware Strain: Qilin
Data Encryption: Confirmed
Data Exfiltration: Confirmed
References
Where can I find more information about each incident?
Incident : Ransomware LEE603032425
Source: FBI's Denver office
Incident : Ransomware Attack LEE243030225
Source: SEC Report
Where can stakeholders find additional resources on cybersecurity best practices?
Additional Resources: Stakeholders can find additional resources on cybersecurity best practices at and Source: FBI's Denver office, and Source: SEC Report.
Investigation Status
What is the current status of the investigation for each incident?
Incident : Ransomware LEE000030425
Investigation Status: Forensic analysis is underway
Initial Access Broker
How did the initial access broker gain entry for each incident?
Incident : Ransomware LEE603032425
Entry Point: Bogus online file converter sites
Additional Questions
General Information
Who was the attacking group in the last incident?
Last Attacking Group: The attacking group in the last incident were an Qilin ransomware operation, Qilin ransomware group and Qilin Ransomware Gang.
Incident Details
What was the most recent incident detected?
Most Recent Incident Detected: The most recent incident detected was on February 3, 2025.
What was the most recent incident publicly disclosed?
Most Recent Incident Publicly Disclosed: The most recent incident publicly disclosed was on June 3, 2025.
Impact of the Incidents
What was the most significant data compromised in an incident?
Most Significant Data Compromised: The most significant data compromised in an incident were Personal Information, Social Security numbers, User credentials, Financial account details, financial records, journalist payments, tactics, personally identifiable information, ID scans and financial records.
What was the most significant system affected in an incident?
Most Significant System Affected: The most significant system affected in an incident was critical applications and Critical applications.
Data Breach Information
What was the most sensitive data compromised in a breach?
Most Sensitive Data Compromised: The most sensitive data compromised in a breach were Personal Information, Social Security numbers, User credentials, Financial account details, financial records, journalist payments, tactics, personally identifiable information, ID scans and financial records.
References
What is the most recent source of information about an incident?
Most Recent Source: The most recent source of information about an incident are FBI's Denver office and SEC Report.
Investigation Status
What is the current status of the most recent investigation?
Current Status of Most Recent Investigation: The current status of the most recent investigation is Forensic analysis is underway.
Initial Access Broker
What was the most recent entry point used by an initial access broker?
Most Recent Entry Point: The most recent entry point used by an initial access broker was an Bogus online file converter sites.
What Do We Measure?
Every week, Rankiteo analyzes billions of signals to give organizations a sharper, faster view of emerging risks. With deeper, more actionable intelligence at their fingertips, security teams can outpace threat actors, respond instantly to Zero-Day attacks, and dramatically shrink their risk exposure window.
These are some of the factors we use to calculate the overall score:
Identify exposed access points, detect misconfigured SSL certificates, and uncover vulnerabilities across the network infrastructure.
Gain visibility into the software components used within an organization to detect vulnerabilities, manage risk, and ensure supply chain security.
Monitor and manage all IT assets and their configurations to ensure accurate, real-time visibility across the company's technology environment.
Leverage real-time insights on active threats, malware campaigns, and emerging vulnerabilities to proactively defend against evolving cyberattacks.
