Rais links cyber-attacks to Bersih's rally
Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim believes the attacks on government websites were linked to the planned rally by Bersih on July 9.
Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim believes the attacks on government websites were linked to the planned rally by Bersih on July 9.
He said a total of 198 official government websites have been hacked and 90 percent of hackers come from within the country.
According to him, the attacks are politically motivated and intended to sabotage the government.
The cyber-attacks, which began on Thursday, followed online threats by Internet activists known as the ‘Anonymous’ group that they would disrupt all government portals to protest against Internet censorship.
Rais said attacks on government websites only slow down the people's dealings with the government.
"For example, if the website of a government agency that manages land is hacked, then land matters will be disrupted and the same goes for banking and others. The attacks are strange, pathetic and politically motivated," he told a press conference here today.
Rais said the government will take legal action against the hackers responsible and urged then to be patriotic.
Attacks abating
Asked whether the attacks will affect national security, Rais said it could happen if left unchecked.
The Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (Mampu), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and security agencies are solving the problem as it is serious problem.
In an update yesterday, MCMC, the country's Internet watchdog, said the attacks were abating, and most websites had recovered.
"MCMC is still monitoring the situation and continuing to work with other agencies to enhance security measures," it said.
MCMC decided last week to block 10 popular file-sharing websites in an effort to combat piracy. Government officials have denied the move amounts to Internet censorship.
Last week, the ‘Anonymous’ group sabotaged Turkish sites to protest against Internet censorship.
On Tuesday, Turkish police arrested 32 people suspected of belonging to ‘Anonymous’ over the attacks.
