Charlie Hebdo: Islamist hackers target French websites in wake of Paris shootings
Group said Anonymous’s pledge to avenge Charlie Hebdo shootings was racist
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Islamist hackers have hacked French websites and called for death to France and Charlie Hebdo, in apparent response to Anonymous’s vow to avenge the Paris shootings.
The group’s messages have appeared on up to 100 French sites. Websites including a French gardening website were hacked, so it is likely that the attackers broke in using a commonly available platform or other security flaw.
The cyberattacks are thought to be a response to Anonymous’s commitment to avenge the attacks under the banner “OpCharlieHebdo”, which it announced last week.
The new attacks are being carried out under the name “OpFrance”. Hackers associated with Anonymous often use the “op” name, short for operation, to name their projects. Much of the imagery used in the hack — seemingly perpetuated by someone or a group calling themselves AnonGhost — derives from Anonymous, but the groups are now supporting opposite aims.
AnonGhost called Anonymous racist for running OpCharlieHebdo, which saw them take down extremist websites and try to suspend Islamist Twitter accounts.
Though there doesn’t seem to have been any direct attacks, Anonymous and similar groups do often attempt to expose the identities during such feuds.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments