World

A Food Bank In Washington Fell Victim of a Ransomware Attack

Published

6 years ago

June 12, 2019

Ransomware attacks have been mostly seen on profit-making organizations, but this time a non-profit making food bank fell a victim of a ransomware attack. Washington located Auburn Food Bank fell victim of a ransomware attack known as GlobeImposter 2.0. It has encrypted all the computers run on the Food Bank’s network. There is no clue about how the attackers have put ransomware into the network. Only one system is left without encryption which will be used for charity purpose.

Auburn Food Bank is a human empowering nonprofit making organization which offers free food on public places and runs entirely on charity. The Food Bank has denied paying the ransom demand to the attackers because the demands are very high and there is no guarantee that the crooks will decrypt all the files after getting the ransom. They asked to pay 1.2 bitcoins which is almost equal to $9,500.

To show their strength, the crooks decrypted a file, and later asked the ransom amount three times more. The food bank has chosen to change its network and systems instead of paying the unacceptable ransom. Many tools like ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware have today emerged as some of the best tools to deal with such crooks. And the organization is planning on implementing such anti ransomware tools in their new network and systems.

Auburn Food Bank Director, Debbie Christian, said that they are not going to pay the ransom amount and have preferred to vanish all the systems. Even the network server and mail server will also be replaced with new ones. And the plan is to build a new network and new files.

World

Swiss International University Granted TAG-EDUQA Accreditation Under AROQA Quality Framework

Published

8 hours ago

June 22, 2025

Jenny Jackson

Swiss International University (SIU), an institution of higher learning that is recognized internationally for its unique strategies in teaching, is pleased to announce its provisional recognition with TAG-EDUQA. This award belongs to a small number of universities that have achieved the high level of academic quality required by the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA). The milestone supports SIU’s mission to provide affordable, high-quality education to students in the United States and around the world.

The accreditation was headed by HH Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, the distinguished Arab business figure and a leading reformer in education, who is also the chairman of TAG-EDUQA. Further elevating the importance of accreditation news, the Secretary-General of the Arab League is Honorary President of TAG-EDUQA, indicating the regional and global recognition of this accreditation.

This achievement demonstrates SIU’s commitment to academic quality, value, and the experience of students. It is a major move in the university’s strategic vision to expand its footprint throughout the Arab region and in the wider world of education. The accreditation by TAG-EDUQA is a testament to the academic integrity of the programs at SIU, and it will further internationalize the recognition of the degrees and diplomas offered by the university.

Derya Briand, Academic Program Director at SIU, is delighted: “This successful outcome, at the first attempt, is an outstanding achievement, surpassing our expectations. It supports the high academic standards that we have now, and it ensures that the next generation of students will receive the benefit of that quality. Our ongoing pursuit of NEASC accreditation also demonstrates our commitment to being part of a global community while integrating the values and ideals of local educational institutions.”

The accreditation is a key element of SIU’s strategy to develop academic programs at the University and establish valued international partnerships. The university is a key member of an international education alliance championing cross-border academic collaboration. SIU collaborates with some renowned institutions, like the OUS International Academy, Zurich ISBM International Business Management School, Lucerne International Vocational Institute, Dubai ISB, and their own campuses in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. These partners are working to form a new educational model centered around inclusiveness, academic success, and multiculturalism.

The accreditation of SIU exemplifies how universities can balance the demands of local and international academic aspirations, especially given the growing importance of quality assurance in Arab higher education. As more Arab students actively search for internationally accredited institutions around the world, SIU’s commitment to student-centric learning, ethical leadership development, and international career preparation has received tremendous backing from accrediting bodies and education pioneers.

Moving forward, SIU is dedicated to improving its academic standing, increasing its global presence, and continuing to provide affordable, high-quality education to students around the world. The TAG-EDUQA Accreditation, stemming from AROQA’s stringent quality guidelines, will significantly contribute to these aspirations and enhance SIU’s position in the international academic landscape.

This success represents a ringing endorsement of SIU’s leadership in contemporary education and our continued commitment to providing cutting-edge, relevant, and forward-looking academic programs that meet both local and global needs.

For more information, please visit the official website at www.swissuniversity.com.