A website hacking group, Anonymous Indonesia, claimed to have broken into 170-plus Internet sites affiliated with Australian businesses and organizations in retaliation for reports of government spying with American intelligence.
The security breaches occurred mostly on small business sites, BBC reported.
The action came on the heels of Indonesia’s summoning of Australia’s ambassador to answer questions about U.S. surveillance operations at the Jakarta facility. And those claims came from former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden’s latest document leak.
Indonesia was incensed to learn of the supposed surveillance. But Australia’s government refused to comment, citing sensitive intelligence matters.
On Monday, Indonesia Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said: “Enough is enough,” the BBC reported.
“While [the United States and Australia] are not able to confirm or deny past activities, at least they should be able — and I’m make a public expectation here — I think they should be able to say henceforth they are not going to do it anymore,” he said, BBC reported.
Anonymous Indonesia, meanwhile, made it clear that the spying was not welcome. Targeted websites opened with the message: “Stop spying on Indonesia,” accompanies by an image of Guy Fawkes on the Indonesia and Australian flags. The image is one that Anonymous hacking groups use regularly, donning Guy Fawkes facemasks when they protest in public.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.