***Statement from Sky High Broadcasting President Mark Taylor***

On Sunday, August 11th the entire computer systems of KNEO 91.7 FM was breached by hackers causing many problems that effectively shut down our ability to operate as we regularly do.

Our staff quickly noticed the problem, but because of the extensive ability of the hackers much damage was done.

After Midwest IT Services began to explore the problem, it was determined that KNEO had been hit by ransomware. It was also verified by our programming software company and then traced by Midwest IT to Russia where the attack was initiated. This attack was targeted at KNEO. It was not a random attack.

For several months we had been threatened by someone sending emails to us saying that they were going to destroy our computer system unless we paid thousands of dollars in ransom. So the threat was real and further evidence did show that these cyber terrorist had been into our system and had the virus go off like a virus bomb on August 11th starting at 12:51 pm.

We have been told the virus attack was the very best. They used that virus against colleges, hospitals, and much bigger companies and organizations. This apparently came by the way of them monitoring our live streaming service that goes all over the world.

So why was KNEO radio such a big target for them? Well, God only knows. Could it be that what we broadcast has such great power and authority that hackers in Russia would consider us a real threat against evil and the darkness they represent?

This will do nothing but make us stronger and even more determined to be about the great work of Christian broadcasting. In the Bible, James 1:2-3 it tells us to “Consider it all joy my brethren when you encounter various trials. Know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”

We will endure through this. KNEO may not be the biggest radio station, but will always strive to be the most effective anywhere our signal can go. This cyber-attack will not only cost us many additional hours of labor but will cause us to buy even stronger and more protective software and services with better enhanced backup systems. These, plus other new upgrades will just make KNEO more effective and more powerful.

In the scriptures, Romans 5:2-4 tells us that “we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

We chose hope! Did you know that 7.2 billion dollars was paid out last year to these types of hackers? Twenty-five percent of those businesses attacked ended up having to go out of business.

We are here to stay. We don’t deal with the devil’s terrorist, and will see what the devil meant for evil against us, God will turn into good.

It is an honor to think that the message that KNEO 91.7 FM represents can be such a threat to sinfulness. A threat that our enemy, who goes around like a roaring lion would try to take us out because of our impact against the work of the darkness.

2 Thessalonians 1:5 says “Be considered worthy of the kingdom of God for which indeed you are suffering.” People it is worth it! We will preserve to broadcast the gospel of truth to people in America and in Russia and all over the world.

Mark Taylor
President
Sky High Broadcasting