GlaxoSmithKline could be targeted by ‘hacktivist’ network Anonymous, according to reports.
IT security firm Radware claims to have found evidence the hacking network, which earlier this year took down several UK government sites, is preparing to launch a denial-of-service attack on the pharma company’s website.
Carl Herberger, vice president of security solutions at Radware, told Network World US that online posts indicate Anonymous could attack GSK and telecoms firm BT, both of whom are prominent sponsors of the London 2012 Games.
While there is, as expected, no way of verifying the information, which comes from someone claiming links with Anonymous, Herberger said some previous attacks have followed a similar pattern.
The potential threat emerged just over a year Bayer’s Italian website was hit by ‘illegal interference’ by hackers affiliated with Anonymous in June, 2011.
Meanwhile, a separate UK group called The Script Kiddies took over Pfizer’s Facebook page last July, defacing it and adding links to several articles critical of the pharma company.
