TV5 is restored
April 10, 2015
TV5 Monde is back on air after the cyber attack that took the network off air around the world. The French security service Anssi has sent a team to TV5’s headquarters to audit of the channel’s information and security systems. mThe attack was thought to be the work of hackers sympathetic to Islamic State.
EBU president Jean-Paul Philippot condemned the cyber-attack: “Hacking into the output in this way threatens the values of freedom of expression and a pluralistic media which help form the basis of public service broadcasting, a system built on diversity and a considered interpretation of the world and its values.”
The Association for International Broadcasting also condemned the attack.”To attack an international television channel that screens mostly cultural and entertainment programming is unprecedented,” commented Simon Spanswick, chief executive of the Association for International Broadcasting. “It is unclear exactly who was behind this major assault on TV5 Monde. However, those responsible were clearly intent on attacking freedom of expression.”
“International broadcasters provide a life-line service in many parts of the world,” continues Spanswick. “We cannot stand by and let this type of attack on broadcasters that touch the lives of so many people around the world go unremarked.”
AIB is calling on all its members around the world to ensure that their computer security systems are up-to-date and, if necessary, reinforced in the light of the events at TV5 Monde’s Paris headquarters. AIB will assist its members in working to promote improved cyber security to help prevent further occurrences of this type.