The SiegedSec hacker group named several Colombian organizations to its victim list. According to the website of the hackers, nearly 30 radio broadcasts and 8 government-affiliated satellite receivers were targeted.
Under the campaign called OpColombia, the SiegedSec group claimed to have attacked Colombian entities in retaliation for the arrest of a member close to the group leader.
#OpColombia, #FreeOrg0n, and 30 Colombian radio broadcasts cyber attack
(Photo: FalconFeedsio)
#FreeOrg0n – 30 Colombian radio broadcasts cyber attack
Cybersecurity researchers from FalconFeedsio posted the above screenshot from SiegedSec’s website.
The post spoke about revenge due to the arrest of a fellow hacker who went by the name, ‘Org0n.’ Org0n, according to the post was ‘someone who fought for others,’ whom the group seeks to free.
Several cyber attacks have been claimed by the SiegedSec and the Anonymous group with other hackers under the #FreeOrg0n campaign against Colombia.
Org0n was arrested by the Colombian authorities, the post read, which led the SiegedSec hacker group to promote the anti-Colombian cyber attacks under the #OpColombia campaign version 2.
“We shut down the satellite receivers and destroyed the configuration of the radio broadcasts. We encourage more hackers to target the Colombian government,” the post concluded.
The Cyber Express emailed the National Cyber Security Index, the Colombia National Police, and the International Trade Administration for a statement. We will update this report after receiving their response.
#OpColombia – Hacker groups declaring war against the arrest of Org0n
A tweet by the Anonymous group read, “#Anonymous Good evening sisters and brothers, yesterday our brother Org0n was arrested by the Colombian authorities, Our Latino brothers have left everything in the different operations of our nations around the world, it is time for them to feel our support and power #OpColombia.”
Several website defacements claims were made in favor of OpColombia. Numerous Spanish language messages surfaced on social media platforms with threats against the government which they threatened to destroy in retaliation to the arrest of Org0n.
Calling the cyber attacks an act of brotherhood, the Anonymous group further said that this campaign was not about blackmail or retribution, fighting for every fallen Colombian youth that hurt the hackers.
Accusations were made about the Colombian politician and lawyer, Iván Duque the former president of the nation. He was accused of crimes against women and the youth. “It is time to take to the streets and fight for the release of our brother,” the post concluded.
Lesser-known hackers posted screenshots of dumped SQLi databases with the OpColombia hashtag, yesterday. A tweet with a hashtag #Retaliation and #FreeOrg0n mentioned several global entities targeted that were claimed to be down after attacks.
Crypters, cryptominers, and wipers for Colombia attacks
In recent months, there has been a spike in the number of cyber attacks on Colombian organizations using the crypter malware.
Hackers used crypters to encrypt information, and info stealers to steal or copy the data to be exposed to buyers or hackers on the dark web.
Thereafter, there have been instances of using crypto miners for mining cryptocurrencies from hacked computers. Lastly, hackers used wipers that erased the memory of the device leaving the users with no resources. This was usually the last step taken by hackers often after failed payment/ ransom negotiations.
Colombia witnessed a 133% increase in ransomware attacks in 2022 in comparison with the attacks in 2021. A major concern observed in security incidents observed in Colombia was not reporting the crimes for the sake of preserving the company’s reputation.
Addressing the need to have better cybersecurity infrastructure, German Patino, a specialist at Lumu Technologies, told Bloomberg Linea, “Among the possible reasons for this wave of cyber attacks on Colombian companies is that hackers are seeking countries that are less prepared in cybersecurity.”
He further reiterated that readiness was everything in cybersecurity. To detect, prevent, report, and avoid threats, mathematical models are recommended to measure risk. The need for educating the staff and making cybersecurity a central theme for the Board of Directors with limited cybersecurity expertise cannot be stressed more.
“Colombian entities are implementing their own IT security policies to prevent cyber-attacks. Colombia was highest in the region for companies with implemented cybersecurity policies in 2019, according to Statista,” a 2021 International Trade Administration report read. It is time, the companies of Colombia gear up for a more robust cybersecurity infrastructure.
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.
