Kabarak University, a Christian institution in Kenya, has announced that its Facebook account was hacked by cyber criminals who have used the platform to spread malicious and misleading content.
The hackers demanded KES 68,250 ($500) for the account to be returned, but the university refused and decided to create a new account. The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Henry Kiplangat, assured stakeholders that necessary measures have been taken to regain control of the page and prevent further unauthorized access.
The university has distanced itself from the content posted by the hackers, stating that any information or advertisements posted on the Facebook page by these criminals do not represent the institution, and it dissociates itself from them entirely.
Furthermore, the incident resulted in the suspension of the university’s IT manager, and the institution has heightened its cybersecurity protocols to prevent future attacks. The hackers’ actions are reported to contravene the university’s Christian values.
The institution apologised for the inconvenience the incident may have caused and urged followers and prospective students to disregard information posted by the criminals and to contact the university directly through its official website or other verified channels.
Finally, the incident highlights the importance of maintaining cybersecurity protocols and the need for individuals and institutions to remain vigilant in protecting their online presence from cybercriminals.
