Google, Facebook and Twitter: Targeted To Silence One Blogger

Facebook security officials have said that the attacks, which threatened huge Web services Google, Facebook and Twitter yesterday, were carried out in an attempt to silence one internet user, pro-Georgian blogger, “Cyxymu.”

Yesterday, Twitter was knocked offline for almost two hours, while Google noticed problems with its services, primarily Gmail and YouTube, and Facebook users reported slow connection times. Max Kelly, Facebook’s chief official in charge of security, told CNET: “It was a simultaneous attack across a number of properties targeting [Cyxymu] to keep his voice from being heard,” and the three companies now say they are working with each other to gather information that could explain exactly what happened.

The services believe that the hackers used the denial-of-service or DOS method, in which the hackers will inundate the servers of websites to overwhelm them and leave them unable to operate. Today (Friday) is the first anniversary of the breakout of conflict between the Russian Federation and Georgia, and so link have been made to suggest that the DOS method was used to render the sites useless for “Cyxymu” to give his opinions, which are traditionally supportive of Georgia. Does this suggest that the hacker may have been from Russia?

Although some have suggested other potential methods of bringing down the sites, some experts have suggested that spam attacks are unlikely. Experts have also said “Cyxymu” and other such bloggers. All of the services have emphasized that no personal data of the site users has been taken.

However, Graham Cluley of Sohpos said: “Those behind the latest attack may be using it as a means of highlighting the vulnerability of the sites we take for granted.” I quite agree with what Graham Cluley has to say. If attacks like these are so easy for hackers to carry out and bring down or delay some of the world’s most renowned websites, then how easy will it be for hackers to hack the same websites with more dangerous methods, such as endangering my personal details? I believe that Facebook, Twitter and Google should think about publishing more details about how they work to prevent dangerous attacks. We’re all familiar with those Privacy Policies, but is it about time we have more information about how they protect us? I think so.

Has the attack on these sites worried you? Are you concerned that your personal data may be vulnerable if attacks are so easy for hackers to carry out? Did you experience delays with the services yesterday, and if so, for how long? Has the attacks made you think twice about using these services? Whatever you think, let us know, in a comment.