Anonymous hackers cripple Australian websites over proposed laws
SYDNEY — A GROUP of hackers has launched a string of politically-motivated cyber attacks targeting Australian government web sites.
It’s understood that Defence Signals Directorate is investigating the incidents but the department’s media unit was unable to confirm that just after midday today.
Notices left on the crippled web sites suggest that underground hacker movement Anonymous has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
In the notices the group claimed that they were provoked by proposed changes to national security laws that would see ISPs store customer online activity for up to two years.
“Welcome Australian boys and girls,” one the defaced websites displayed to visitors along with a link to a page containing information about the proposed new laws.
It then continues:
“Do you like the idea of surrendering your password or people spying on your Facebook or Twitter account?
“Nope we didn’t think you did.
“Your government seems to think that everyone in Australia is a terrorist.”
The government sites targeted appear to be concentrated in Queensland according to reports.
They include the state’s tourism web site tourism.industry.qld.gov.au and Sunshine Coast promotion site sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Others include regions.qld.gov.au, sd.qld.gov.au, dtrdi.qld.gov.au, science.qld.gov.au, createitmakeitliveit.qld.gov.au, smartawards.qld.gov, workliveplay.qld.gov.au and lib.qld.gov.au.
Some of the sites have been restored to service.
The Attorney-General’s department, which produced a discussion paper on the proposed new laws, declined to comment on the attacks.
A spokeswoman for the department said all questions on the attacks should be directed to the Defence department.
The Australian
July 23, 2012
Short URL: http://www.berberanews.com/?p=18926