Crime

Hackers Claim Senate Website Break-In: ‘We Don’t Like the US Government Very Much’

WASHINGTON (The Blaze/AP) — A band of computer hackers who pride themselves on attacking vulnerable networks for fun accessed a Senate server that supports the chamber’s public website but did not breach other files, a Capitol Hill law enforcement official said Monday. The hackers said the release was a “just for kicks” attempt to help the government “fix their issues.”

“Although this intrusion is inconvenient, it does not compromise the security of the Senate’s network, its members or staff,” Senate Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Martina Bradford said in a statement.

A hacking cooperative that goes by Lulz Security claimed that it had added a Senate file to its list of successful, high-profile intrusions at a time when governments and corporations are on high guard for cyber intrusions.

The group has claimed credit for hacking into the systems of Sony and Nintendo and for defacing the PBS website after the public television broadcaster aired a documentary seen as critical of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Lulz is a reference to Internet-speak for “laugh out loud.”

Earlier Monday, Lulz posted on its website an email that listed one of Senate Sergeant-At-Arms Terry Gainer’s staffers as the administrator.

“We don’t like the US government very much,” the website wrote atop the file. “Their sites aren’t very secure.

“In an attempt to help them fix their issues … this is a small, just-for-kicks release of some internal data from Senate.gov,” the site added. “Is this an act of war, gentlemen? Problem?”

Hackers Claim Senate Website Break In: We Dont Like the US Government Very Much

Bradford said the Senate‘s technology security staff became aware of the unauthorized access to the Senate’s public web site, Senate.gov, over the weekend. The intruder, she said, was only able to read and determine the “directory structure” of the files on that site. Any files that individual Senate offices post on the site breached by Lulz are intended for public consumption, she said.

However, the site Zero Hedge wonders if Lulz was able to get usernames and passwords:

A cursory investigation does not reveal the exposition of any sensitive data…. This time. Yet one thing LulzSec most certainly acquired was the user/pass combinations of all individuals affiliated with the Senate, and are likely currently actively downloading all their emails. We continue to wonder just how safe the Fed’s email server is…

The vulnerability was traced to a part of the Senate site that is maintained by an individual Senate office, which Bradford did not name. Each senator and committee maintains its own presence on Senate.gov and may not adequately protect the site, she said.

Gainer’s office is reviewing all the sites hosted on Senate.gov and urging the chamber’s technology chiefs to do the same, Bradford said.

Comments (83)

1 2
  • This_Individual
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:05pm

    We are being herded like a bunch of sheep.

    Report Post »  
  • I Hear the Wolves
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:57am

    These guys are actually doing a public service. If they can exploit vulnerablities in government websites, then it may force those organizations to beef up their security. Normally they have to pay security firms and ethical hackers quite a bit of money for this type of penetration testing. Also, I have to say thank you to them for hacking the Playstation Network. As a result, Sony gave me tons of free stuff! Thanks LulsSec!

    Report Post » I Hear the Wolves  
  • rienheart
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:48am

    Conspiracy, just like Gun Running to Mexico to erradicate the 2nd ammendment and sign the UN Treaty for Small Arms Control. The Communist take over is almost complete.

    Report Post »  
  • martnee777
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:37am

    All the recent news about hacking. I suppose we can expect the Obama administration to step in and “secure the internet for our safety”

    Report Post » martnee777  
  • cece959
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:32am

    They don’t like our government very much? Welcome to the club.

    Report Post »  
  • compatriotshonor
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:13am

    Oh, this is just great.

    One more pathetic reason for the white house and the FCC to impliment net neutrality, when we have bozos like lulz security hacking into government web sites. Yes, it is a problem when we have china intruding on our web sites here in america, but it is back a$$ backwards for this company to prove a point in this manner. Thanks allot morons, fueling the fire that is already out of control.
    IDIOTS

    Report Post »  
    • riseandshine
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:57am

      Are we sure they are idiots?….or operatives?….I don’t know, but I choose to err on the side of not trusting government, especially when I know that the corruption level in government is at an all time high.

      Report Post » riseandshine  
    • I Hear the Wolves
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:01pm

      Better Lulz than China or N Korea. Exposing vulnerablities is a good thing, if action is taken to fix them.

      Report Post » I Hear the Wolves  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:07pm

      Bamas Bozos wouldn;t be creating a Crisis now, would they ? NAA !!

      Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
  • cr0Wn1
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:07am

    This is a much bigger battle then most people are aware of. Lulzsec has been involved with many other things that need to be addressed. He has also been a supporter of wikileaks and also the whole bitcoin currency thing. This is a war I have been following for awhile now, the U.S needs to see this for what it is… a cyberwar.

    Report Post » cr0Wn1  
    • riseandshine
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:21am

      Would the government’s solution safeguard our liberties or infringe upon them?

      Report Post » riseandshine  
  • Richard Compton
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:31am

    I don‘t like or agree with the government most of the time but I wouldn’t hack into their system even if I knew how. What kind of mindset allows people to do wrong to others they disagree with? I just don’t get where this makes any since to me, what moral base if any do these hackers have, where is the line between right and wrong with people who have this kind of mindset.

    Report Post »  
  • TRILO
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:25am

    One more nail in the cofffin for the federal government to “police” the web through their cyberspace security initiative that gives BHO a kill switch for the internet. These incidents seem to be happening more often. Coincidence? Never let an emergency go to waste.

    Report Post » TRILO  
    • riseandshine
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:25am

      Never let an emergency go to waste…and if there isn’t an emergency…create one.

      Report Post » riseandshine  
  • markperr
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:24am

    Seems to me that the government should have it‘s own force of hackers that are constantly trying to break into it’s secure sites and files. In the business world, this would be known as quality control.

    Report Post »  
  • Red1492
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:20am

    As much as I dislike the current regime, why isn’t this considered high treason? People used to be put to death for things like this. Clinton gave our military secrets away to China, Assange to the world. Why haven’t these people been brought up on charges?

    Report Post » Red1492  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:17am

    I thought that hacking was illegal. If so, then why haven’t they found these guys and arrested them?

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • Alvin691
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:04am

    It’s a trap. Change passwords immediately.

    Report Post »  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:55am

      This Administration is so inept it can’t even create a Deception..

      They are going for the Internet, The’ll keep trying !!

      Watch out for Bama’s Bozos and Soros thugs… 18 Month’s ..

      Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
  • BlackCrow
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:55am

    Kids; if you want to do something go after the debt machine not the Senate propaganda machine. The majority of us are smart enough to recognize the BS propaganda what we need is somebody to turn off the negative flow of money.

    Problem is that network is protected by some rather robust firewalls that basement trolls will not be able to crack.

    Report Post » BlackCrow  
  • ares338
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:53am

    Sounds like these guyshavetoo much time on their hands and need a um..er…A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » ares338  
  • JUSTANOTHEROPINION
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:48am

    Trace the hacker, water board the hacker to obtain the names of the rest and then take them to Guantanamo and try them for terrorism. The flimsy excuse they give for this cyber terrorism is smoke and mirror for real intent which was probing possibilities of a serious attack.

    Report Post »  
  • poketheireyeout
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:00am

    Don’t worry, Bilderberg May 2011 meeting included censoring the internet, just a few more ‘hacks’ ought to do it!!! You know sort of like all those airport x-ray machines just sitting and waiting for the Christmas day bomber. If anyone else agrees just say ‘EYE’

    Report Post »  
    • riseandshine
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:47am

      I’m not buying it

      Report Post » riseandshine  
    • riseandshine
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:51am

      I meant I’m not buying the story. I know what these people do. It has false flag written all over it

      Report Post » riseandshine  
    • riseandshine
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:40pm

      And how would you know this?….I don’t follow Bilderberg…I just look at who’s running things from the Whitehouse…Are they honest or corrupt?….and if they are corrupt…look out. A sad state of affairs.

      Report Post » riseandshine  
  • alr79
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:43am

    How about hacking into the credit unions, or barry’s account and see how he likes getting his money stolen from him.

    Report Post » alr79  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:58am

      Now THERE’S an idea, or George Soros, but this wasn’t a “robbery” hack, this was political.
      These guys are probably on Barry and Spooky Dude’s side.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:25am

    If these crackpots can get in, imagine what the Chinese and Russians are doing.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Chett
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:17am

    @Randy
    Sure is looking like someone is spoiling to get free speech on the internet shut down. Now who would want to do that???

    Report Post »  
  • nomercy63
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:16am

    Strange how they chose a ship? Freedom boats Israel wonder if there is a connection??? it is time to take down everything the government has and rebuild it through the Constitution!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • beckwill
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:14am

    my money is on a lib being the weak link….as usual.

    Report Post »  
  • randy
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:06am

    This will be Obamas reason to shut down the internet… They are probably on the Obama and Soros Payroll

    Report Post » randy  
    • enduro
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:15am

      good point. the people no longer run this country, washington beaucrats now run the country. EPA, FCC,DEA, FBI, CIA netc. wake up people

      Report Post » enduro  
    • Vickie Dhaene
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:37am

      Agreed

      Report Post »  
  • The Weave
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:06am

    You gotta love it!

    Report Post » The Weave  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:05am

    They don’t like the US govt very much? I can’t think of very many people who do right about now…….

    Report Post » biohazard23  
    • ShowLizard [Google My Cult Flicks]
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:11am

      As was fore telled upon us hithermore, the exactitudes of legalism shall undulate forgressionally in step with the high winds of treason and helplessness of governmental machinational excessivisms.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • Mandors
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:19am

      Um… okay.

      Anyway, will someone please give these guys back their rubber underwear.

      Report Post » Mandors  
    • joe conservative
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:34am

      I was amazed that during the 2008 elections, both candidates supported putting our healthcare records online in electronic format. How can this sound like a good idea to anyone? There are no “secure” websites…..anywhere. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZUqKHTW5_Y

      Report Post » joe conservative  
    • Sinista MACE
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:44am

      Nobody likes the US government very much, not even it’s own citizens.

      Who’s going to help us depose OUR DICTATOR Barack Obama?

      I might be willing to trade Obama for Qaddafi at this point…

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Eraldo NY Tea Party
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:46am

      This is a act of war,
      Be prepared

      Report Post » Eraldo NY Tea Party  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:48am

      @BioHazard:

      This is interesting in one other way; the drudge report yesterday mentioned that over half of the public government sights that people can access for information will now be pulled off the grid. If they are able to hack into a simple system at the Senate, what is to stop them or others from figuring out how to mount a major, full scale cyber war attack? Or even a limited one that can say – “Guess who?”

      Think of what happens if say, one or more major banks went down and also had all consumer account data eradicated? Or, from a reverse point, say all the data on loans and mortgages are all of a sudden corrupted and/or deleted?

      It can happen.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:58am

      @Snowleopard, and that would give Odumbo and the FCC the Perfect Excuse to implement “net neutrality,” take over the internet and to shut it down at will. Coincidence? Methinks not.

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • Truth Wins Every Time
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:58am

      I love the boat…wish I could do that.
      Lulz doesn’t like our gov. Neither do I.
      But I think hacking is not the way to change it.

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:59am

      This sounds like a group of hackers in Europe called ‘Anonymous’ and three of their main hackers were arrested over the weekend in Spain just about the time of the IMF hack attack. It could be there handiwork here?

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • KA-T_FTW
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:23am

      Fail boat is WIN!

      Report Post »  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:33am

      @ Snowleopard… This sounds like a group of hackers in Europe called ‘Anonymous’ and three of their main hackers were arrested over the weekend in Spain just about the time of the IMF hack attack.

      You forgot to mention they were immediately given the choice of prison or a high paying job working for the Spanish Government Dept of Internet Security.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • Force2bewreckin
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:51am

      The gov is hacking it’s own sites to have an excuse to lock down the Internet. Problem, Reaction, then solution. More freedoms will be stripped. The way it has been since 9/11.

      Report Post »  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:16am

      I believe this Administration is at it again, Remember, “Never Let It Go To Waste”
      whatever they are doing it can’t be to good for us and the Internet.. Watch the
      other hand…

      Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:17am

      Do not allow the government to use this to try to “protect the Internet”.

      Report Post »  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:43pm

      GORE invented the Internet, Remember that one ? There at it again,

      Now they want to take it away !! To many anti-Bama folks out there..

      He went to Puerto Rico today on our DIME, WHY ???

      Campaigner in Chief……………Since 2006…..WTF ??

      Wonder if Joe will tell HIM not to waste so much of our Tax $$$$

      Cost us Millions $$$$ every time he jumps on AirForceOne…

      Bama is a total waste !!!………….NOBAMA-2012

      Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
    • Ronko
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 1:20pm

      These hackers are really starting to piss me off, I hope the govt takes them down and in a big way.

      Report Post »  
    • american1st
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 3:04pm

      lulz is not net speak for “laugh out loud” LOL is laugh out loud,
      lulz meaning is is more “for cheap laughs”

      Report Post » american1st  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 4:03pm

      Per the Pentagon, this past week, YES, THIS IS AN ACT OF WAR.
      I don‘t think ’lulz’ is a nation or from another nation, so it would likely be prosecuted in the field as terrorism or TREASON.
      PROSECUTE FULLY.
      So-called “white hat” hacking is an excuse used by those living in their mother’s basement at age 35, eating cheetos and stealing credit card numbers. Breaking and entering is illegal whether you steal an ink pen or the Mona Lisa. Crime is crime.
      Make an example of ‘lulz’.
      Then,
      as I have said for decades, design/build proprietary hardware and software for use by the U.S. government and possibly military contractors. Those systems should be INCOMPATIBLE with commercially available hardware and software. The networks should be isolated and inaccessible from the internet. They should utilize leased lines.
      Perhaps when we are capable of single-photon generation security, I might be persuaded otherwise. Until then, I have heralded and cautioned about security breaches since the inception of the Internet (DARPA/ARPA).

      In the meantime, find ‘lulz’, try them for TREASON. DO NOT put them to work as consultants (don’t reward mis-demeanor). Punish them by forbidding them to have access to computers for the next 30 years – for ANY reason. (This sort of punishment is already in use)

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • ozchambers
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 4:31pm

      @showlizard: I cant wait to get my copy of “The Original Argument” so I can understand your post.

      Report Post » ozchambers  
    • Ancient Mariner
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 7:45pm

      They think the Govt is bad now, just wait if Oblabla get re-elected, there won’t be any internet.
      The first thing a dictator does is get rid of communication networks between it’s serfs.

      Report Post » Ancient Mariner  
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