Lee Enterprises, a prominent U.S. newspaper conglomerate, experienced significant operational disruptions following a cyberattack on February 3, 2025. The incident, disclosed in an SEC filing, forced the company to shut down numerous networks, affecting the printing and delivery of multiple newspapers across their network.

The attack has severely impacted the company’s digital infrastructure, disrupting VPN services and preventing staff from accessing critical files. Many of Lee’s publications have displayed maintenance notices on their websites, warning users about potential access issues to subscription accounts and E-editions.

The company, which operates 77 daily newspapers and 350 weekly publications across 26 states, reaching over 44 million unique digital visitors, has initiated an investigation into the incident. Law enforcement has been notified, though the company remains cautious about sharing details that could compromise ongoing investigations.

This marks the second major cyber incident for Lee Enterprises, following a previous attack by Iranian hackers before the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Notable publications affected include the Buffalo News, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Arizona Daily Star, and St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The company is currently assessing potential data exposure while working to restore normal operations. The investigation is expected to take several weeks due to the complex nature of the incident.