Hackers hit the Home Office site

Richard Osley
Saturday 07 April 2012 19:24 EDT
Comments

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.

Hackers attacked the Home Office website last night in protest at its handling of extradition cases and new plans for internet usage surveillance, leaving the service unavailable to internet users.

The hacking group Anonymous was linked to attempts to close the website by deluging it with traffic. The site became unusable as messages on Twitter asked computer users to "fire" at it.

It was claimed the attack was partly in protest at the Home Secretary Theresa May's approval of the extradition of Richard O'Dwyer to face trial in the US, for allegedly running a website link to pirated films, and the treatment of Gary McKinnon, accused of hacking into US military computers. A Home Office spokesman said: "We are aware of reports that the Home Office website may be the subject of online protest."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in