Anonymous Arabia, a notorious group of hacktivists, has allegedly launched a cyberattack on Columbia University in response to the recent police crackdown on its students. The Columbia University cyberattack, purportedly initiated as retaliation for the police intervention, has sparked concerns and debates over the appropriate response to protests and the use of digital warfare.

The group, known for its activities in the dark corners of the internet, posted a message with the tagline "HUGE USA UNIVERSITY CYBERATTACK" on a dark web forum.

The Alleged Cyberattack on Columbia University

The message boldly declares, "We have now started an unprecedented cyberattack on the University of Columbia in the US in retaliation to the police raid on the student occupation of the university building. We took down the whole network of Columbia and most of the University websites and Eservices (including Email servers). [caption id="attachment_66004" align="aligncenter" width="557"] Source: X[/caption] This cyberattack comes in the wake of a recent incident where police forces intervened to dismantle protests staged by students who were occupying university premises as a form of demonstration.

Campus Tensions: Background and Response

The incident at Columbia University involved a group of protesters breaking into Hamilton Hall, barricading themselves inside, and occupying it throughout the day. The escalation prompted the university administration to call for police assistance, leading to the removal of the protesters. Minouche Shafik, President of Columbia University in the City of New York, expressed deep sadness over the events, stating that the university had been patient in tolerating unauthorized demonstrations for several months. Efforts were made to engage in dialogue with the protesters, including considerations for their demands, but a resolution could not be reached. Our efforts to find a solution went into Tuesday evening, but regrettably, we were unable to come to resolution. Because my first responsibility is safety, with the support of the University’s Trustees, I made the decision to ask the New York City Police Department to intervene to end the occupation of Hamilton Hall and dismantle the main encampment along with a new, smaller encampment," said Shafik. Shafik emphasized the university's commitment to free speech and activism but condemned the acts of violence and destruction carried out during the protests. The decision to involve law enforcement was made to ensure the safety of the campus community and to restore order. The aftermath of the police intervention has seen a wave of arrests and clashes on various university campuses across the United States. New York City Mayor Eric Adams reported 300 arrests at Columbia University and the City College of New York. Similar incidents occurred at the University of Texas at Dallas and Fordham University, among others. Former President Donald Trump, during a campaign rally in Wisconsin, applauded the police action at Columbia University, describing it as "a beautiful thing to watch." However, the response to the protests has not been without criticism. California Governor Gavin Newsom's office labeled the law enforcement response at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), as "limited and delayed," with clashes between rival protesters resulting in numerous injuries.

Alleged Columbia University Cyberattack: Uncertainty and Verification

Amidst the chaos, the alleged cyberattack on Columbia University by Anonymous Arabia has raised further concerns. However, upon accessing the university's official website, no evidence of foul play was detected. The Cyber Express Team reached out to Columbia University for verification, but as of writing this report, no response has been received, leaving the claim unverified. Whether this cyberattack is a genuine act of hacktivism or a tactic to gain attention remains uncertain. Only an official statement from Columbia University can confirm the legitimacy of the claim. Meanwhile, the incident highlights the growing intersection between digital warfare and real-world activism, highlighting the complex dynamics of modern protests and their consequences. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

The infamous Everest ransomware group has struck again, this time targeting Les Miroirs St-Antoine Inc., a longstanding company based in the St-Jérôme region. As of now, the extent of the data breach, the level of data compromise, and the motive behind the cyberattack on Les Miroirs St-Antoine remain undisclosed by the ransomware group.

Founded in 1956, Les Miroirs St-Antoine is a family-owned business specializing in the design, manufacturing, installation, and repair of glazing and aluminum products for commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. However, the company is now facing allegedly the daunting challenge of navigating the aftermath of this Les Miroirs St-Antoine cyberattack.

Cyberattack on Les Miroirs St-Antoine Remains Unverified

The Everest ransomware group has issued a chilling ultimatum, stating that Les Miroirs St-Antoine Inc. has 24 hours to contact them using the provided instructions. Failure to comply will result in the publication of all stolen data. "Company has the last 24 hours to contact us using the instructions left. In case of silence, all data will be published here," reads the post by Everest ransomware group. This tactic, known as double extortion, is characteristic of the group's modus operandi. [caption id="attachment_65194" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Source: X[/caption] To investigate further, The Cyber Express Team (TCE) attempted to access Les Miroirs St-Antoine's official website and found it fully functional, indicating no immediate visible signs of compromise. However, this does not discount the possibility of covert access to sensitive company data. TCE has reached out to company officials for clarification but has yet to receive an official response. The Everest ransomware group has been a prominent threat in the cybersecurity landscape since December 2020. Operating primarily in Russian-speaking circles, the group targets organizations across various industries and regions, with high-profile victims including NASA and the Brazilian Government.

The Persistent Threat of Everest Ransomware

Known for its sophisticated data exfiltration techniques, Everest ransomware often demands a ransom in exchange for not only decrypting the victim's files but also for refraining from releasing stolen information to the public. This approach maximizes pressure on victims to pay up, as the consequences of data exposure can be severe. Experts have linked Everest ransomware to other notorious cyber threats, such as the Everbe 2.0 and BlackByte families. The group employs a range of tactics, including leveraging compromised user accounts and exploiting Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for lateral movement within targeted networks. The Everest ransomware's reach extends beyond private corporations, as they have also targeted government offices in various countries, including Argentina, Peru, and Brazil. This demonstrates the group's audaciousness and their willingness to target entities regardless of their size or prominence. The cyberattack on Les Miroirs St-Antoine Inc. highlights the urgent need for organizations to enhance their cybersecurity defenses. This includes implementing strong security measures, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and providing comprehensive employee training to mitigate the risk of human error. Furthermore, proactive monitoring and threat intelligence sharing among organizations can help identify and respond to potential cyber threats more effectively. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential in combating cybercriminals like the Everest ransomware group. In conclusion, the ransomware attack on Les Miroirs St-Antoine Inc. serves as a reminder of the ever-present threat posed by cybercriminals. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.