A recent cyber attack on the website of Zee Media Corporation Limited by a group of Bangladeshi hackers known as “SYSTEMADMINBD” has caused quite a stir in the online community. The hackers defaced the website and accused the media company of mocking the situation in Bangladesh during a period of severe flooding.
The incident, which took place on August 21, 2024, saw the hackers take control of the Zee Media website and display a screenshot of a ZEE TV Bangla news article with a headline that translated to “India left the water! Bangladesh is floating.” The hackers pointed out phrases in the article that they found mocking, such as “Due to the flood, the authorities have opened the dam of the Dambur hydroelectric project. And that’s why Bangladesh is going to float.”
In a statement left on the hacked website, the hackers warned Zee Media, saying, “If they continue with their dirty behavior, we will take over and destroy the news channel.” This threat highlights the seriousness of the cyber attack and the determination of the hackers to make their message heard.
SYSTEMADMINBD is not a new player in the world of cyber attacks. The group has been active since April 2023 and has targeted various websites and organizations in the past, including government websites in Bangladesh and India, as well as businesses in Israel and Europe. The defacement of a major media outlet like Zee Media Corporation Limited represents a significant escalation in their activities and indicates their willingness to use current events to further their agenda.
As of now, the Zee Media website remains defaced, with the message from the hackers still visible. A mirror of the defaced site can be found on Zone-H, a website that tracks and archives hacktivist activities. The hack serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in the online world and the potential impact of cyber attacks on businesses and institutions.
The incident comes at a time of political tension in Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently resigning amidst violent protests. The combination of political upheaval and natural disasters like flooding has created a volatile situation in the country, which may have contributed to the hackers’ motivation to target Zee Media for their perceived insensitivity towards Bangladesh.
In conclusion, the cyber attack on Zee Media by the Bangladeshi hackers SYSTEMADMINBD has raised concerns about the security of online platforms and the potential impact of such attacks on businesses and media organizations. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential for companies to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect themselves and their users from malicious threats.