A group of British hackers today took down Al-Qaeda's communication network and websites, preventing the terrorist organization from posting online messages and videos. A group of British hackers today took down Al-Qaeda’s communication network and websites, preventing the terrorist organization from posting online messages and videos.The hacks started a few days ago and they have temporarily crippled Al-Qaeda’s Internet influence. These attacks on Al-Qaeda are reminiscent of similar attacks the group suffered earlier this month when British intelligence officers replaced the group’s instructions on how to make bombs with cupcake recipes. Who says the British aren’t funny?Experts expect Al-Qaeda to get its websites back under control within the next few days, but also commented that these hackers were obviously well coordinated and used some highly sophisticated techniques in taking the sites down.This week’s hackers were believed to be government sponsored, which would explain the high-level expertise these white hats showed. The U.K. government allegedly was also behind this month’s cupcake recipe hacks, and it is generally believed that it sponsored those hackers as well, encouraging them to mess lwith Al-Qaeda. It just goes to show that not all hackers are out to expose security flaws or steal your personal information. It warms my Internet heart to see the hackers stand up against groups like Al-Qaeda and be a general thorn in its side. Honestly though, after all the LulzSec and Anonymous hacks lately, I half expected the Al-Qaeda websites to be replaced with looping video of NyanCat.[Via MSNBC] Related content news analysis LogoFAIL attack can inject malware in the firmware of many computers Researchers have shown how attackers can deliver malicious code into the UEFI of many PCs though BIOS splash screen graphics. By Lucian Constantin Dec 08, 2023 8 mins Malware Malware Cybercrime news Google expands minimum security guidelines for third-party vendors Google's updated Minimum Viable Secure Product (MVSP) program offers advice for working with researchers and warns against vendors charging extra for basic security features. By John P. Mello Jr. Dec 08, 2023 4 mins Application Security Supply Chain news New CISO appointments 2023 Keep up with news of CSO, CISO, and other senior security executive appointments. By CSO Staff Dec 08, 2023 28 mins CSO and CISO Careers Security news Top cybersecurity product news of the week New product and service announcements from Coro, Descope, Genetec, Varonis, Cloudbrink, Databarracks, and Security Journey By CSO staff Dec 07, 2023 22 mins Generative AI Security Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe