UN takes steps to prevent website hacking

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - The United Nations said yesterday it had taken steps to prevent hackers from infiltrating its website, after an incident Sunday in which an anti-US and anti-Israel message was posted on a UN webpage.

"Measures have been taken for this not to occur any more," UN chief Ban Ki-moon's spokeswoman Michele Montas said.

"We're very concerned that this happened, quick action was used to prevent damage to our own computer system and the Department of Public information is working with the Information Technology Security Division to prevent future occurrences."

She did not specify what kinds of measures were being taken.

The section of the site reserved to statements by Ban showed a message that read: "Hacked By kerem125 M0sted and Gsy That is CyberProtest Hey Ysrail and Usa dont kill children and other people Peace for ever No war."

The message also appeared on other web pages that usually display quotes and speeches from the secretary general, but disappeared from the UN website at about 9:15 am (1315 GMT) on Sunday.

Montas said the world body was still investigating the hacking, but asked whether the incident was viewed as cyber terrorism, she replied: "I don't know, I think it was seen more like a prank."