Hacktivists Anonymous Africa brought down 50 websites yesterday (Wednesday), including that of Independent Newspapers Online (IOL) in response to an article praising Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.
The attack on IOL took place at around 11am and came in the form of a distributed-denial-of-service (DDOS) attack.
Shortly before the attack, the group used their Twitter handle @zim4thewin to post:
@iol Today at 11AM we will be attacking your IOL systems for crimes against humanity facebook.com/pages/Anonymou…Expect us you evil SOBs.
— Anonymous Africa (@zim4thewin) June 12, 2013
The attack lasted until around 1pm and the group added on Twitter:
@iol bad boys bad boys what you ganna do, what you ganna do when they come for you
— Anonymous Africa (@zim4thewin) June 12, 2013
Anonymous Africa seemingly took issue with an opinion piece on IOL which praised Mugabe.
In response to the attack, IOL editor Alastair Otter said: “As a news organisation that includes more than a dozen newspapers as well as online properties we publish a range of opinions, including some that may not be popular.
“Publishing these does not imply that we agree, or disagree, with those views. We pride ourselves on allowing and publishing a multiplicity of views. It is unfortunate that anyone could use this simple principle of media as an excuse for an attack on us.”
Anonymous Africa appears to be ramping up its Mugabe related attacks, with Zimbabwe’s general election due to be held before the end of July.
The group even advertised today for recruiting for more hackers.
Please note. the African cyber army is recruiting. if you have leet skills or access to a giant botnet please contact us
— Anonymous Africa (@zim4thewin) June 13, 2013
