The Association for International Broadcasting today condemned the cyber attack on TV5 Monde that took the broadcaster’s global channels off the air on 8 April.
The attack, apparently by the so-called Islamic State, was a concerted effort to take the international channel off screens around the world and take over the network’s social media accounts.
“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.
TV5 Monde was able to resume most of its operations by Friday 10 April, although some of its live output is still limited by the attack.
“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.