US-CERT Issues WarningUS-CERT Issues Warning

KIRKLAND, Wash. -- The US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) issued a warning of possible cyber attacks by Islamic militant groups associated with the Al Qaeda network. Aimed at penetrating websites, disrupting online service and destroying data, these attacks will probably target US online stock trading and banking websites.

According to MEMRI (Middle East Media Research Institute), Islamic websites have increased their focus on IT security related issues and one of the latest spates is the Technical Mujihad, an online magazine published by al-Fajr Information Center. The 64-page edition magazine was electronically distributed to password-protected Jihadist forums (according to SiteInstitute.org) on the 28th November and contained computer and Internet security related articles. SiteInstiture.org reports such articles as "The Technique of Concealing Files from View" and "How to Protect Your Files, Even if Your Device was Penetrated," were written for the intermediate to advanced user, and describe a variety of methods and software that provide security: "the editorial.emphasizes the great purpose of jihad in the information sector."

Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT)