Srinagar, The official X (formerly Twitter) account of Greater Kashmir, a leading English language newspaper in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, was compromised in a hacking incident, raising alarms over cybersecurity and unauthorized access concerns. This breach has sparked a quick response from the newspaper’s management to regain control and secure the account against further unauthorized posts.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the issue was detected earlier today when unusual posts started to appear on the newspaper’s X handle. Greater Kashmir immediately contacted X’s support team for assistance to recover the account and launched an investigation into the breach with the help of law enforcement agencies. A spokesperson for Greater Kashmir emphasized the perpetual risk of cyber-attacks and the critical need for enhanced security protocols to safeguard digital assets.

The incident not only highlights the cybersecurity challenges faced by media outlets but also reflects the broader constraints on press freedom in the region under the current administration. Kashmiri newspapers, including Greater Kashmir, often grapple with digital security issues amidst a politically sensitive environment, where freedom of the press is a contentious topic.

Journalists in Kashmir have reported increased censorship, intimidation, and surveillance, indicating a restrictive media landscape. The hacking of Greater Kashmir’s X account is seen as part of the broader challenges that media outlets in Kashmir confront, including efforts to muzzle press freedom and limit journalistic expression.

Local journalists, preferring anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, remarked that such incidents underscore the ongoing struggles against attempts to silence media voices in Kashmir. They highlighted that navigating the digital domain comes with its set of challenges, especially in a region where the media is under constant scrutiny and subject to stringent regulatory measures by the government.

This cybersecurity breach at Greater Kashmir serves as a reminder of the persistent threats facing media organizations online and the importance of robust digital defenses to protect against such attacks.