SFI protests HPU website hacking

The Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) unit of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) staged a protest on campus today, raising strong objections over the recent hacking of the university’s official website. The student body also demanded the immediate scrapping of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, calling it ineffective and burdensome.

Naved, Campus Joint Secretary of the SFI, alleged that the hacking incident exposed serious negligence and technical mismanagement by the university administration. “Suspicious activity on the official website was first observed by students. It was later confirmed that the site had been hacked by unknown attackers, affecting access to key academic sections,” he said.

He claimed that the breach had disrupted academic data, examination details, and the ongoing admission process, putting students’ futures at risk. “This is not just a technological lapse but a major security failure. Why were cybersecurity measures not implemented beforehand, and why did the administration fail to promptly inform students about the breach?” he questioned.

Calling it a serious matter, Naved said that the hacking of a prestigious institution’s website showed clear administrative apathy towards protecting student information.

He further criticised the ERP system introduced in 2014, stating that instead of easing student services, it has created inconvenience and harassment. “Due to ERP glitches, students from remote areas are forced to travel to campus repeatedly for basic tasks,” he added.

The SFI warned that if the administration does not take swift and transparent action, it will mobilise students across the state and launch a wider movement.