A hacker group called Medusa has reportedly hit a public university in Islamabad, The Institute of Space Technology (IST), with a ransomware attack and, is demanding up to $500,000 for the stolen data.
The attack is the latest in a string of similar incidents that have been occurring across the globe in recent years, with ransomware groups targeting organizations of all sizes and types. Medusa ransomware is known for encrypting the victim’s data and then demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key that will unlock it.
Medusa #ransomware group added The Institute of Space Technology (IST), a public university located in Islamabad, #Pakistan to their victim list. The samples added includes passports, payslips, analysis details, etc.#darkweb #deepweb #cyberrisk #cyberattack pic.twitter.com/RYcIGGhSTA
— FalconFeeds.io (@FalconFeedsio) March 6, 2023
In the case of IST, the samples added by the hackers include passports, payslips, analysis details, and other sensitive information. The hackers are demanding $500,000 in exchange for the decryption key to recover the data. If the university wants an additional day before the data is leaked into the dark web, the hackers are demanding an additional $10,000.
The hackers had originally given IST 9 days to comply, but now there are only 7 days left and it remains to be seen how IST will respond to the situation. We reached out to the university for a comment on the matter, but a relevant spokesperson was not available at the time of writing.
The attack highlights the importance of organizations taking proactive measures to protect their data from such attacks. Ransomware groups are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, and it is essential for organizations to take steps to safeguard their data, including implementing security protocols, conducting regular backups, and educating staff on cybersecurity best practices.
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Officials dam care about data being leaked or what. I’ll not be surprised if they come up with the statement that they don’t even know what data means.
And this institute is teaching cybersecurity professional courses to others and government is getting consultation from them sometimes.
Kuch ni krya yh koi leaked ni hota…ussy answer he na dain uska virus min note bna hota… Or yh attack woh hr system min krta hsi na he specific…. Kisi NY koi aisi file open ki hogi just min bug ho ga so that’s why system hacked hua… Ic ka best solution Yh I h best recovery software used krin or money ki ussy koi n email pr baat ni krin
You literally don’t know the dark side of internet my friend.
who would do this and how come Pakistan is wise the target
When we know that our vile hateful neighbor is always finding new ways to affect us, why are we not increasing our cyber security?
First of all…all adm and IT team should be sacked for not foreseeing and safeguarding the issue.
Audit of their lavish expenditures be carried out. why not expended to safeguard their interests then expending on luxuries.
zarar are you a student of ist ?
what does mean lo
میرا فون کا ڈیٹا ہیک ہوا ہے سمجھ نہیں ارہا کیا کرو میں میرے فون پہ وہاٹسپ بنا تھا اور وه بیند ہوگیا خودی مجھے شک ہوا ہوا میرا نمبر کہی اور استعمال ہو رہا ہے تو میں نے نمبر بند کیا لیکن نہہے نمبر کے وہاٹسپ پہ میسج آیا کے میرا ڈیٹا دے دو ورنہ آپکو زندگی سی اڑا دونگا
Please koi madad kare.
yeh log cyber security parhatay hain???
Wow I’m a graduate of this university. I wonder if it’s true or not and how things will shape in the future.