Al-Jazeera under cyberattack 'on all systems'

Published June 8, 2017
The logo of Al Jazeera Media Network is seen on its headquarters building in Doha, Qatar June 8.— Reuters
The logo of Al Jazeera Media Network is seen on its headquarters building in Doha, Qatar June 8.— Reuters

Qatar-based broadcaster Al-Jazeera said Thursday that it was under a widescale cyber attack which had targeted “all systems”, according to a statement released on social media by the broadcaster.

“Al Jazeera Media Network under cyber attack on all systems, websites & social media platforms,” it said on Twitter.

The attack was also confirmed by a source at Al-Jazeera, who said the broadcaster was attempting to repel the hack.

“An attempt has been made, and we are trying to battle it,” said the source.

Following the initial reports of a cyber attack, some viewers in the region said they could no longer receive Al-Jazeera television.

Al-Jazeera, one of the largest news organisations in the world, has long been a source of conflict between Qatar and its neighbours, who accuse the broadcaster of bias and fomenting trouble in the region.

The alleged cyber attack comes during a time of heightened tensions in the Gulf, which has seen Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain and other allies cut ties with Qatar.

They severed relations over what they said is Doha's alleged financing of extremist groups and its ties to Iran, Saudi Arabia's regional arch-rival.

Long-running tensions broke out into the open last month after Qatar claimed its state news site was hacked by unknown parties who posted “false” statements attributed to the emir in which he speaks favourably of Iran and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

The remarks were widely reported as true across the region.

Earlier this month, Qatar said the FBI was helping it investigate the source of the alleged hacking. Subsequently, there was a media report suggesting that Qatar had been targeted by Russian hackers — a claim dismissed by Moscow.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...