vicesociety attacks Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Incident Date:
January 6, 2022
Overview
Title
vicesociety attacks Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Victim
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Attacker
Vicesociety
Location
First Reported
January 6, 2022
Ransomware Attack on Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Victim Profile
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali is a distinguished institution recognized for its dedication to academic excellence and social responsibility. The university provides a diverse range of programs and experiences, including international semesters and research opportunities, aimed at promoting personal and professional development.
Industry Vulnerabilities
The education sector is increasingly confronted with significant cybersecurity challenges. A report by Sophos reveals that 32% of ransomware attacks in the previous year were initiated through exploited vulnerabilities, with the highest incidence of attacks found in sectors such as energy, oil/gas, and utilities. This report further highlights that larger organizations, possessing more complex IT infrastructures, are at a heightened risk of attacks originating from exploited vulnerabilities.
Mitigation Strategies
To counteract the threat of ransomware attacks, it is imperative for organizations to prioritize the patching of newly disclosed vulnerabilities, uphold stringent backup and restoration protocols, and allocate resources towards threat intelligence and security research to remain abreast of evolving threats. Furthermore, the adoption of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and the cultivation of sound security practices among employees are crucial measures in diminishing the risk of social engineering or brute-force attacks.
Sources
- Sophos, "The State of Ransomware 2021," available at Sophos State of Ransomware 2021.
Recent Ransomware Attacks
The Recent Ransomware Attacks (RRA) site acts as a watchtower, providing you with near real-time ransomware tracking of attacks, groups and their victims. Given threat actors’ overarching, lucrative success so far, ransomware attacks have become the most ubiquitous, and financially and informationally impactful cyber threat to businesses and organizations today.
The site’s data is generated based on hosting choices of real-world threat actors, and a handful of other trackers. While sanitization efforts have been taken, we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy of the data. Attack updates will be made as source data is reported by reputable sources. By viewing, accessing, or using RRA you acknowledge you are doing so at your own risk.