TalkTalk cyber attack: ‘Russia-based Islamic jihadists’ claim responsibility for hack

From the Independent

A hack on the TalkTalk website affecting up to four million customers may have been carried out by Islamic extremists, a former Scotland Yard cybercrime detective has claimed. Messages posted online last night by someone claiming to represent “the TalkTalk hackers” said the cyberattack was carried out by a Russia-based jihadist group, and warned of more to come. The message was posted to the Pastebin and claimed to include a sample of customers’ personal details, including email addresses and records of transactions.

Others have expressed doubts about the “jihadist” claim of responsibility. The details included in the Pastebin message, including how the attack was carried out, are far from comprehensive.

Also speaking on Today, cyber-security expert Professor Peter Sommer said terror claims had become “par for the course” in the wake of such hacks. He said an attempt to extort money from the company or access customers’ bank account details were more likely explanations.