In what authorities see as an increasing phenomenon, pro-Palestinian hackers disrupted three Jewish Web sites in three parts of the world last Sunday afternoon, including that of the Dix Hills Jewish Center on Long Island.

The other two sites hacked were those of the London Jewish Chronicle and the Israeli Web site, Israelweather.il. Both appear to have been struck by the same hacker; the same page was posted on both. The message, in English and Turkish, was in support of “Palestinian Mujahaeeds” (terrorists) and contained a Palestinian flag and anti-Semitic rantings.”

The hacking earlier in January of 3 Boulder-area Jewish websites is mentioned in the article.  Here’s the full post: Pro-Palestinian Hackers Wreaking New Havoc, and here’s the earlier Boulder Jewish News article Three Boulder Jewish Websites Defaced.

The Jewish Week’s article also includes the following guidance for website safety:

SCN [Secure Community Network, the official address for Homeland Security initiatives of the organized Jewish community] has posted an alert on its Web site, www.scnus.org, advising all Jewish institutions to take steps to protect themselves from being hacked. Among the suggestions:

• keep your firewall turned on and up to date;
• ensure any unnecessary open ports are closed whenever possible;
• install and/or update antivirus software;
• be careful what you download;
• any computer that is used for critical computing for your organization — such as banking, Web site administration, etc. — should not be used to browse the Internet for any reason or used for e-mail.

Goldenberg [Paul Goldenberg, National Director of SCN] said should a Jewish organization’s Web site be hacked, local police and the FBI should be notified immediately. He said the hacked Web page should not be removed until advised to do so by authorities to give them a chance to trace its origins.”

Finally, the FBI encourages those who have been a victim of an Internet crime to make a report to www.ic3.gov.

January 8, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

During the first week of January 2010, several websites were hacked in the Boulder area including two Jewish synagogue websites.  The other sites primarily involved commercial sites and were hacked without any derogatory statements or words being posted.  The victims of these website intrusions have reported no losses nor any additional intrusion or compromise.

The FBI and Boulder Police Department have worked together and stayed in communication with the synagogue leaders and the Anti-Defamation League regarding the defacement of the synagogue websites.  The investigation revealed that while the synagogue sites were defaced with anti-Semitic language, there were no threats to life or property.  Investigators found the origin of these attacks originated abroad.  While the comments and actions were disturbing and unacceptable, there is no reason to believe that person poses a physical threat to the Boulder community. At this time and based on the information gathered to date in the investigation, federal charges are not expected to be pursued.

Amy M. Stein, Community Director of the Boulder Office of the Anti-Defamation League, stated, “The Anti-Defamation League applauds the work of the FBI and the Boulder Police Department in the successful investigation of these crimes. ADL is committed to the safety and security of Boulder’s Jewish community and will continue to speak out against all acts of bigotry targeting anyone.”  Amy Stein can be contacted at (303) 449.2607.

To learn more about the FBI and Civil Rights investigations, visit our website at: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/civilrights/civilrts.htm

The FBI and Boulder Police Department encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of an Internet crime to make a report to:  www.ic3.gov You can find Internet safety tips and learn about various Internet scams on the www.fbi.gov website.  Below are some key steps to protecting your computer from intrusion:

• Keep Your Firewall Turned On
• Install or Update Your Antivirus Software
• Install or Update Your Antispyware Technology
• Keep Your Operating System Up to Date
• Be Careful What You Download
• Turn Off Your Computer

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