Anonymous Hits North Korea Sites Again

Hacktivist collective Anonymous has struck North Korean websites for the second time in two weeks, as today the country marked the 101st anniversary of the birth of founding father Kim Il-sung.

Anonymous confirmed attacks via the compromised Twitter account of Uriminzokkiri, the North’s propaganda machine, which it has controlled since it launched a major offensive against the country on 4 April.

The Uriminzokkiri website itself has been taken down and remains so, whilst other sites related to North Korea, including jajusasang.com, paekdu-hanna.com  and minjok.com have been hacked, according to the Twitter feed.

Anonymous strikes

Anonymous issued various threats against North Korea, claiming it was attacking the nation in retaliation for its increasingly aggressive rhetoric against its southern neighbour and the US. The situation involving the three countries remains tense, as the South warned intermediate range missile tests could be imminent.

According to reports, the South has disconnected its nuclear plants from the Internet, in fear of cyber attacks hitting critical infrastructure. Just last week the South officially blamed North Korea for attacks that took various organisations, including banks and TV broadcasters, offline.

In a different campaign, Anonymous is also protesting at the Formula 1 races to be held in Bahrain. The group also launched attacks around the time of the national race last year.

The next F1 race is taking place in Bahrain this weekend, with F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone saying it should go ahead despite protests by opposition to the ruling royal family. Anonymous is supporting those protesters.

“Bernnie Eccelstone [sic] and the ‘Royal Family’ of Bahrain have learned nothing,” a release from Anonymous read.

“So we are coming forward this year to wreck your little party again Mr Eccelstone [sic]. Anonymous will not stand by and allow you a race fueled by the blood of our freedom loving comrades in Bahrain.

“Beginning with the opening festivities of your little blood race, you can expect the presence of Anons from all over the globe inside your intertoobz.

“We call upon Bernie Eccelstone [sic] while there is still time; cancel your blood race now.”

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