Hackers Shut Down State Websites in Egypt

Internet returns, but Anonymous takes down government sites
Posted Feb 3, 2011 4:28 AM CST
Egyptian Internet Hit by Hacker Group
A screenshot of a Twitter message by the hacker group Anonymous, taking credit for shutting down Egyptian government websites yesterday in support of anti-government protesters.    (Screenshot - Anonymous IRC Twitter)

The infamous hacker network known as Anonymous brought down the Egyptian government's websites yesterday in support of anti-Mubarak protesters, reports the New York Times. About 500 members attacked Egypt's Ministry of Information, Mubarak's National Democratic Party, and other related sites. “We want freedom,” said a member of Anonymous. “It’s as simple as that. We’re sick of oppressive governments encroaching on people.”


The Anonymous attacks are part of a larger campaign in support of protesters around the Middle East, from Tunisia to Yemen. As Egypt's Internet began to return to service yesterday, it was greeted by a Twitter message from Anonymous: "Welcome back to the Internet, #Egypt. Well, except http://www.moiegypt.gov.eg—you stay down."

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